Kassioun Editorial 1219: The Security Council Statement; What Must We Do?

The main points in the Security Council statement can be summarized as follows:

First: It expressed deep concern about the violence and escalating sectarian tensions, particularly on the Syrian coast; it called for neutralizing the threat posed foreign fighters and for prompt, impartial, transparent, independent, neutral, and comprehensive investigations, and bringing to justice all perpetrators.

Second: While welcoming the Syrian interim authorities’ public condemnation of the violence, the Security Council emphasized the need and urgency of inclusive and transparent justice and reconciliation processes for a sustainable future in Syria, it called for the implementation of a Syrian-led Syrian-owned political process, facilitated by the UN, based on the key principles of UNSC Resolution 2254.

Third: The UN Security Council urged the provision of additional international support to the efforts of the UN and humanitarian organizations, to urgently increase humanitarian support to civilians in need throughout Syria. The Security Council called on the interim authorities to protect all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religion.

The Syrian authorities have formed a special investigation committee to follow up on the crimes and violations that have occurred on the Syrian coast, which is a good thing, though still insufficient. The committee’s work to date lacks the required transparency and clarity, taking into account that crimes cannot be hidden with a finger, and achieving real results is extremely important from the perspective of the country’s interests, civil peace, and unity. People are living in a state of anxiety and awaiting tangible steps and a public trial for the perpetrators. These are essential to preserve civil peace and prevent the recurrence of atrocities. They are also essential from the perspective of blocking all forms of foreign interference, especially adverse ones.

This becomes even more evident given the policies pursued by Western countries regarding sanctions, particularly the US, which has made them a constant stick held over the heads of not only the authorities but also the Syrian people as a whole. This requires finding a swift and realistic way out of clinging to the illusion that sanctions will be lifted soon.

On the other hand, regarding the issue of broad political participation, the interim government’s supposed deadline of early March expired, and the month is drawing to a close. It remains in place, and the transition to the desired transitional government has not yet taken place.

The required government is a comprehensive, broad-based national unity government that includes all political factions and all components of the Syrian people. Such government will be capable of completing the country’s unification, preserving civil peace, revitalizing the economy, and implementing the basic steps outlined in UNSC Resolution 2254’s general roadmap, in a manner that serves its core essence: the Syrian people’s right to self-determination.

The historical responsibilities placed on all patriotic Syrians, and on the existing authorities as well, are immense and must be addressed with the utmost dedication and courage to save the country from the dangerous prospects it is being pushed into, and to rekindle the flame of hope in the hearts of the people, which started on December 8 of last year. This is because the unity of Syrians around a hope and a dream that unites them is the main spiritual force driving the country toward stability and prosperity.

(النسخة العربية)