UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres on Wednesday emphasised the need for a peaceful transition in Syria after its former president, Bashar al-Assad, fled Damascus for Moscow.
“As we speak, we are witnessing the reshaping of the Middle East. We also see some signs of hope, and signs of hope namely coming from the end of the Syrian dictatorship,” Guterres said.
“The UN is totally committed to supporting a smooth transition of power with an inclusive political process in which the rights of all minorities will be fully respected, and paving the way towards a united sovereign Syria with its territory integrity, fully re-established.”
Guterres, who is on a working visit to SA, echoed minister of international relations & co-operation Ronald Lamola’s calls for an orderly transition of power in Syria and a sustainable and inclusive political process.
“It’s our duty to do everything to support different Syrian leaders to make sure they come together, that they are able to guarantee a smooth transition, an inclusive transition in which all Syrians can feel that they belong,” Guterres said during a press briefing following a meeting with Lamola.
Lamola warned of the importance of resolving the Middle East conflict to prevent regional problems. He called on the UN Security Council, which has been divided on the matter, to honour its responsibilities and work towards the peaceful resolution of the Syrian crisis.
He said if left unresolved, the crisis could plunge the whole Middle East region deeper into political and economic chaos.
“SA calls on other countries to avoid exploiting the current situation for their narrow geopolitical interests. In particular, Israel must refrain from its attacks on Syria and allow the Syrian people the space and opportunity to extricate themselves from the current situation.”
Guterres’ visit coincides with the start of SA’s presidency of the G20. He backed SA’s push to tackle sovereign debt of countries and for increased climate change funding.
He also backed SA’s G20 priorities, including for financial justice, climate justice and peace in Africa, highlighting the need for reforms in the international financial system, ambitious climate action and reform on the UN Security Council.
“I look forward to working with the G20 presidency of SA to help deliver justice for the people of this great continent. And at the same time, we will be fully supportive of all SA initiatives in its role for mediation, in its role for justice, not only in Africa, but in so many other parts of the world.”
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