Statement by Ambassador , UK Permanent
Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on
Syria.
"I'd like to start by thanking Special Envoy Pedersen and
Under-Secretary General Fletcher for your briefings.
Thank you also to Ms Seif for your briefing and for your tireless
advocacy efforts.
We echo your calls for an inclusive political transition that
prioritises the participation and leadership of women in Syria.
President, I would like to make three points today.
First, this month Syrians marked the 14th anniversary of the
start of the uprising against the Assad regime.
At last, they can see the prospect of a more stable and hopeful
future.
But horrific events this month demonstrate too that this remains
a fragile and critical moment in Syria.
We welcome the Interim Authorities' announcement establishing a
fact-finding committee to investigate and prosecute individuals
who committed crimes during the clashes in Syria's coastal
areas.
A peaceful and secure country is in the interests of all Syrians
and the wider region.
Diplomacy and dialogue are the best way of achieving this and we
urge all parties to refrain from further violence and to exercise
restraint at this critical moment.
We are concerned by Defence Minister Katz's declaration that the
Israeli presence in the Area of Separation and the Golan Heights
could be for an unlimited period.
This is unacceptable and Israel must present clear and reasonable
timelines for their withdrawal in line with international law.
Second, we note the progress made in Syria's political
transition.
We welcome the Constitutional Declaration's provisions on freedom
of expression, religion and women's rights alongside the
commitment to establish a Transitional Justice Commission.
We call for swift implementation of these actions and hope the
Declaration will provide a solid foundation for a transition that
guarantees the rights of all Syrians.
A clear approach on accountability and transitional justice is
essential for national reconciliation and to prevent a recurrence
of the violence we saw this month.
Progress on this cannot wait.
As the Interim Authorities take these next steps, we call for a
consultative and inclusive process and for appointments to the
Transitional Government to reflect Syria's rich diversity.
Finally, we recognise the immense challenges of rebuilding Syria
and that this cannot be done without economic recovery and the
international community's coordinated support.
The UK is committed to Syria's recovery, underlined by our pledge
at last week's Brussels conference of up to $207 million in
critical humanitarian assistance.
This will alleviate some of the suffering in Syria, as well as
helping Syrians in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey, who generously
host so many refugees.
In parallel, the UK has relaxed some sanctions on Syria and
revoked the asset freezes of 24 entities and institutions in the
energy, transport and finance sectors.
We have also issued a General Licence to support transactions for
humanitarian activities in Syria.
In conclusion, President, the UK stands with the Syrian people in
building a more stable, free and prosperous future."
