UN envoy: Iran welcomes improvement of Syria's diplomatic ties with Arab world

Iran’s permanent ambassador to the United Nations says the Islamic Republic supports the improvement of diplomatic relations between Syria and the world, particularly the Arab countries, to ensure Syria's security and prosperity.

Amir Saeid Iravani made the remark in a speech at the UN Security Council (UNSC) as the member states discussed the latest developments and current situation in Syria, including the Damascus government’s rapprochement with its Arab neighbors.

“We welcome the improvement of Syria's diplomatic relations in the region and the world, especially with the Arab countries, to ensure the security, stability and prosperity of Syria. The consolidation of these relationships can facilitate the safe and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons; we are committed to supporting these efforts,” Iravani told the meeting.

Iran's UN envoy also welcomed Turkish-Syrian negotiations as part of the Astana talks to re-establish sustainable peace and security in the Arab country.

“Iran, alongside its partners in the Astana process, is committed to working towards long-term and sustainable normalization in Syria. In this regard, we declare our support for the continuation of the dialogue between Syria and Turkey as part of this effort. It is also very important to do everything possible to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees to their homeland and to meet their humanitarian needs,” Iravani said.

The Astana process was launched in 2017 at the initiative of Iran, Russia and Turkey on how to reduce tensions in Syria, which has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since 2011.

Syria’s membership in the Arab League was suspended following the breakout of the foreign-backed militancy. Saudi Arabia, along with several other Arab states as well as Turkey, cut ties with Damascus and funneled billions of dollars worth of arms to the Arab country throughout the years to prop up militants fighting to topple the Syrian government.

In recent months, there has been a race among the Arab countries to mend fences with the Syrian government. Riyadh and Damascus reached an agreement to reopen their embassies and resume consular services after the fasting holy month of Ramadan.

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The top Iranian diplomat also called for the withdrawal of foreign forces, especially US troops, from Syria, saying they are the primary source of insecurity in the country.

“The illegal presence of foreign military forces, including American forces, in Syria is a clear violation of the UN Charter and international laws and is the main source of insecurity in the country,” Iravani said.

“We call for the immediate and complete withdrawal of these illegal forces, which is essential to creating a conducive environment for resolving the crisis and restoring peace and stability in the region,” he added.

Iran's UN envoy also reiterated the Islamic Republic’s condemnation of the Israeli attacks on Syria.

“Once again, we vehement condemn the continuous violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria by the Israeli regime through aggression and terrorist attacks. These attacks have inflicted sizable damage on civilians and vital infrastructure in Syria,” Iravani said.

“The Security Council must abandon its double standard policy and respond to Syria's repeated calls for action to end these acts of aggression,” he stressed.

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• Israel shells Syria’s Quneitra in new act of aggression

‘Unilateral sanctions as a major obstacle’

Iravani further censured unilateral sanctions against Syria as a “major obstacle” to the amelioration of the situation in the Arab country and to the delivery of humanitarian aids, particularly after the recent earthquake.

“Impartial and non-politicized humanitarian assistance to all regions of Syria is crucial for saving lives. It is also essential to plan such assistance in a way that helps restore infrastructure, rebuild the Syrian economy and support sustainable development in the country,” he said.

“The continued imposition of unilateral sanctions is a major obstacle to improving the humanitarian and economic situation in Syria,” he added, pointing to their detrimental impact on the economy and living standards.

Underpinning that the recent earthquake in Syria has made it even more critical to lift such “unjust measures,” Iravani said any assistance mechanism should be delivered in coordination with the Syrian government and with full respect for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

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