25.04.2025 23:01
Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hasan Sheybani raised his country's new flag for the first time at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). In this historic session, Sheybani delivered critical messages and also issued a warning regarding Israel. He stated that Israeli attacks pose a direct threat to regional stability.
The Syrian Foreign Minister, Esad Hasan Sheybani, delivered a message to member countries at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the first time, stating, "I represent the new Syria here today." A session was held at the UNSC regarding developments in Syria.
Addressing member countries, Sheybani recalled that the new Syrian flag was raised at the United Nations headquarters, saying, "On this historic day, I congratulate all the people of Syria. This flag is not just a symbol. It is the declaration of a new existence born from pain. It represents a future born from resistance and the promise of change that comes after years of suffering."
Sheybani reminded that for decades, Syria has been associated with the oppression of the Assad regime, noting that during this period, the country was plunged into darkness, citizens were killed, and tortured.
Pointing out that chemical weapons were used during the same period, millions of people were displaced, and for years, people were crushed under the burden of pain and loss, Sheybani stated, "The regime's actions not only led to deep humanitarian tragedies for the Syrian people but also allowed destabilizing elements to sprout in our lands. Under the Assad regime, our country became a center for drug production, a haven for foreign militias and terrorist organizations, which further deepened the suffering of us and the entire region. I am here today to represent the new Syria."
"SYRIA HAS NOW OPENED ITS DOORS TO THE WORLD"
Sheybani noted that Syria has now opened its doors to the world, stating that heads of state, foreign ministers, and international figures have come to Syria, and that Syrians in the diaspora are exploring the possibility of returning home and contributing to the reconstruction of Syria.
Highlighting that for the first time, major international organizations and UN human rights bodies have gained real and concrete access to Syrian territory, Sheybani said, "This was something the old regime repeatedly denied in the past. The era of systematic bloodshed, arbitrary arrests, forced disappearances, and impunity has come to an end. As you saw weeks ago on the anniversary of the revolution, planes are now dropping flowers instead of barrel bombs."
Sheybani announced that the establishment of the Transitional Justice Commission, which will also include a Missing Persons Commission, will be declared soon, and expressed their readiness to cooperate with the United States to locate missing Americans in Syria.
"SYRIA'S STABILITY AFFECTS THE STABILITY OF THE ENTIRE REGION"
Sheybani stated that concrete steps towards a real national parliament that will represent the Syrian people will also be announced soon, emphasizing, "Today's Syria exists for Syrians who were silenced under the Assad regime and can now speak freely, for those who were displaced but can now return home."
Sheybani underscored that Syria is "diverse, but not divided into majority and minority," and continued his remarks as follows:
"The burden of sanctions continues to threaten our stability. When international organizations and companies want to rebuild our economy and invest, they are hindered by expired sanctions. These restrictive measures imposed on the previous regime prevent the entry of capital and expertise into our country, while allowing the expansion of illegal networks. It is seen that actors operating in the shadows and secretly, often associated with extremist or terrorist organizations, benefit the most from the continuation of these sanctions."
Sheybani pointed out that those who demand more from Syria are also the ones advocating for the continuation of many sanctions against the Damascus regime, indicating that these sanctions force Syria to be a "dependent" country rather than a "partner" in global economic growth. He stated that the sanctions also hinder the effective operation of international and civil society organizations and restrict the application of justice and the provision of security during the transition period. Sheybani emphasized, "The lifting of sanctions could be a critical step in transforming Syria from a country associated with a dark past into an effective partner for peace, prosperity, and the global economy. The stability of Syria concerns not only us, the Syrians, but also affects the stability of the entire region."
CRITICAL WARNING TO ISRAEL
Sheybani noted that another destabilizing factor is Israel's attacks on Syrian territory, stating that Israeli attacks are not only a clear violation of international law and Syria's sovereignty but also pose a direct threat to regional stability. Sheybani said, "The continuation of the attacks undermines our reconstruction efforts and threatens the peace and security we seek."
Sheybani called on the UNSC to pressure Israel to withdraw from Syria and to implement the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement, reminding that Syria has repeatedly declared that it will not pose a threat to any neighboring country, including Israel, or to any country in the world.
Sheybani concluded his remarks as follows:
"Let us seize this decisive moment. The Security Council and the entire international community have a unique opportunity to support the future of Syria. Syrians are ready to reshape the future of their country and create a new paradigm of what a successful post-conflict transition could look like worldwide. We hope that you will be our partners on this path."