Repeating Syrian Sovereignty Violations Risks Terror Cycle: UN A3+ Group
The A3+ Group issued a warning on Thursday in New York regarding the ongoing violations of Syrian sovereignty. These actions not only contravene international law but also pose a significant threat to the nation’s fragile stability, potentially exacerbating the suffering of its people and igniting a destructive cycle of terrorism.
This statement was made on behalf of the A3+ Group, which comprises three non-permanent African members of the UN Security Council—Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Mozambique—along with the Republic of Guyana from the Caribbean region. It was delivered by Guyana’s representative, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, during a monthly Security Council meeting dedicated to discussing the political and humanitarian issues facing Syria.
The A3+ representative emphasized that escalating tensions in the Middle East complicate the pursuit of peace and stability in Syria. She remarked, “Recent developments, including the persistent violations of Syrian sovereignty, undermine the fragile stability of the country and intensify the suffering of its people.”
Furthermore, the A3+ Group cautioned that such actions “not only violate international law but also risk fueling a destructive cycle of terrorism.” They underscored the urgent need for all regional stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint and prioritize dialogue over confrontation to avert further military escalations in Syria.
Rodrigues-Birkett highlighted that “the resurgence of terrorism in Syria serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of achieving an inclusive political solution to the crisis that safeguards the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Syria.” She reiterated the Group’s strong support for a Syrian-led political process, as outlined in Resolution 2254.
In this context, she stressed the necessity of revitalizing the constitutional committee and urged all parties to engage constructively with the UN envoy to Syria to break the current political deadlock.
She reaffirmed the Group’s conviction that an inclusive dialogue among Syrians, supported by the international community, is the only viable path toward a sustainable resolution of the crisis.
Addressing the humanitarian situation in eastern Syria, which has been worsened by the influx of refugees from Lebanon, the representative noted that over 16 million people are in need. Limited resources have hampered efforts to tackle these challenges, placing a significant burden on both the Syrian government and humanitarian actors.
In light of this, the A3+ Group expressed deep concern about the inadequate funding of the humanitarian response plan and emergency appeal, urging donors to fulfill their commitments in this regard.
Additionally, the A3+ Group welcomed the Syrian government’s decision to extend for an additional three months the authorization granted to the UN and humanitarian agencies to utilize the Bab El Salam crossing point.
Regarding health concerns in Syria, particularly amid the cholera outbreak in the Al-Hasakah province in the northeast, the diplomat underscored the urgency of taking action to contain the spread of the disease. She called upon all member states to positively contribute to UN efforts aimed at implementing the rapid recovery strategy.
