Syria UN envoy: Damascus committed to continue fight against terrorism, liberate its occupied territories

Syria's ambassador to the United Nations Bassam Sabbagh says the Damascus government will continue its efforts to liberate Syrian territories occupied by foreign forces, and will fight terrorism as it seeks initiatives aimed at political settlement of the ongoing crisis in the Arab country.

“Syria will keep on attempts to liberate its occupied territories, and will combat terrorism in tandem with its political efforts. Terrorist attacks will not discourage Damascus from working to restore security and stability and eliminate terrorism,” Sabbagh said during a UN Security Council session on Wednesday.

He added that representatives of the Syrian government at last week’s UN-mandated talks in Geneva on drafting a new constitution for the country demonstrated their strong determination and resolute preparedness to put forward constitutional principles, which respond to the aspirations of the Syrian nation, safeguard national sovereignty and independence, and ensure nationwide security and stability as well as social and economic welfare.

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The Syrian diplomat called on foreign parties to refrain from interference in the Syrian Constitutional Committee talks, and avoid imposition of timetables or drawing hasty conclusions.

Sabbagh then pointed to the October 20 bomb attack on a bus carrying troops in the Syrian capital Damascus, which killed at least 14 military personnel and wounded several others, describing it as clear evidence that Takfiri terrorists and their sponsors are trying to prevent a political solution to the Syria crisis, and impede bids meant to restore security and stability across Syrian territories.

The Syrian UN ambassador also lambasted Western countries for obstructing the adoption of a statement submitted by the Russian delegation to the Security Council in condemnation of the deadly bomb attack in Damascus, stating that such an approach reflects the double standards and hostile attitudes of those states.

He underlined that Syria strongly condemns the uptick in Israeli airstrikes against its territories, besides the targeted killing of former lawmaker Midhat Saleh al-Saleh in the occupied Golan Heights.

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Sabbagh also called on the Security Council to assume its responsibilities, put an end to Israeli attacks that threaten regional peace and security, and compel the states sponsoring terrorism to stop their violations of international law and fully comply with resolutions on the fight against terrorism.

The Syrian diplomat then demanded an end to the illegal presence of US and Turkish forces in his country, and called for cessation of their aggressive acts. He stated that plunder of Syria’s assets and natural resources must stop, and sanctions imposed on his country must be lifted immediately and unconditionally.

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“Improving humanitarian situation in Syria requires supporting the Damascus government’s efforts to provide basic services for all citizens and create proper conditions for the return of internally displaced people and refugees,” he concluded.

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