A Chinese envoy has urged the international community to intensify collective efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Syria and to advance a political solution to the ongoing conflict.
Geng Shuang, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, addressed the UN Security Council on Thursday, highlighting the effective operation of border crossings for aid delivery thanks to the cooperation between the Syrian government and the UN. He called on all parties to actively facilitate cross-line deliveries to ensure aid reaches those in need.
“We urge the international community to scale up its humanitarian assistance to Syria and provide adequate and unearmarked financial support for early recovery projects throughout the country,” Geng stated.
He emphasized that unilateral sanctions and resource plundering have long hindered Syria’s economic recovery, social development, and the improvement of people’s livelihoods. “We urge relevant countries to immediately cease these unlawful acts. Foreign forces should end their illegal military presence in Syria,” he added.
Geng noted the recent Arab League foreign ministers’ meeting, which reaffirmed commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and opposed external interference. “Support from regional countries can give new impetus to the political settlement of the Syrian issue. We welcome UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen’s engagements with all parties on implementing Resolution 2254,” he said.
He underscored the need for the international community to uphold the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned principle, encouraging dialogue to find an acceptable solution for all parties. “Terrorism remains a persistent threat to the political process in Syria. We welcome measures taken by the Syrian government to combat terrorism and maintain security and stability. The international community must confront all forms of terrorism in Syria with zero tolerance,” Geng asserted.
Expressing deep concern over recent developments, Geng highlighted that since the outbreak of the current round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Israel has launched frequent airstrikes on various locations in Syria, in grave violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict, all parties must exercise restraint, avoid exacerbating tensions, and prevent the spread of conflict. Major countries outside the region should play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation,” he cautioned.
Geng urged the international community to redouble efforts to manage the conflict in Gaza and leverage an unconditional ceasefire as an entry point to push for a permanent ceasefire, thereby injecting positive energy into peace and stability in the Middle East, including in Syria.
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Chinese envoy urges joint efforts on Syrian humanitarian crisis relief
cgtn.com
