UN chief hails Syria’s ‘moment of possibility’ on first visit since fall of Assad regime
UN chief hails Syria s moment of possibility
Qinilo.com – António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, made a historic visit to Damascus on Saturday, marking his first journey to the country since the fall of the Assad regime. During his address, he emphasized that Syria stands at a pivotal juncture, offering a unique opportunity to build “a future that is more stable, more inclusive and more prosperous for all Syrians.”
Positioning the nation as “today the pillar of stability of the Middle East,” the UN leader described the country as standing “at a moment of possibility.” He urged global actors to seize this opportunity and help reconstruct a state that has endured more than ten years of conflict.
A Personal Connection to Syria
Speaking alongside Foreign Minister Asaad al‑Shaibani, Guterres called the visit “an extremely meaningful” experience. His relationship with the Syrian people extends back decades, beginning with his time as UN High Commissioner for Refugees and continuing through his current position.
“For years, long before becoming Secretary-General, I worked closely with Syrians,” he explained, recalling communities that welcomed those fleeing conflict and persecution. He also remembered Syrian families who later became refugees within their own country.
He shared memories of meeting young Syrians with ambitions that crossed borders: “to learn, to work, to contribute, and to live in peace.”
These encounters, he noted, remained with him and underscored the significance of his presence in Damascus. Guterres revealed that he intentionally avoided visiting Syria from 2011, when harsh repression of the Syrian people began, until the regime’s eventual collapse.
Building a New Chapter
The Secretary-General acknowledged that Syrians have endured considerable “hardship, loss and uncertainty,” yet maintained their resilience, talent, and creativity throughout.
“The opportunity now is not only to recover from conflict, but to lay the foundations for a future that is more stable, more inclusive and more prosperous for all Syrians.”
He emphasized that reconstruction requires both strong leadership and broad-based trust, ensuring every citizen sees themselves within the nation’s path forward.
“Above all, it will require that every Syrian sees a place for themselves in the future of their country. And it is for Syrians to define their path forward and shape the institutions that will serve future generations.”
Global Support Essential
Warning that no post-conflict nation can rebuild alone, Guterres called for greater international engagement.
“This is a moment that requires the international community to support Syria with determination and foresight. Syria’s recovery is a humanitarian imperative – and it is also an investment in development, in peace and regional stability.”
He outlined several priorities for global partners: promoting economic revival, restoring essential services and infrastructure, expanding employment opportunities, and enabling the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of displaced populations.
Financial institutions and development partners, he added, play crucial roles in reconnecting Syria with regional and global economic prospects.
UN Commitment and Sovereignty
Stressing the Organization’s readiness to guide Syria through its transformation, Guterres affirmed: “We are ready to support your political transition, including your efforts to ensure transitional justice, draft a permanent constitution, and hold free and fair elections.”
“We have no UN agenda for Syria. Our agenda is the agenda of the Syrian government and the Syrian people.”
The Secretary-General also reaffirmed support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, declaring that any violations of these principles are unacceptable and must cease immediately.
Addressing recent developments near the Golan Heights, he stated: “What is happening in the region around the Golan Heights is totally unacceptable. I’d like to remind the international community that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory.”
Concluding his remarks, Guterres promised continued collaboration with both Syrians and international partners toward “a future defined by peace, dignity and opportunity by the Syrians themselves.” During the subsequent question-and-answer session with reporters, he reiterated his call for an end to violations of Syrian territorial integrity and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation.