I will make three points.
First, the United Kingdom welcomes the inaugural meeting of the Syrian People’s Assembly on 12 July.
This is an important step towards establishing Syria’s new political settlement.
The UK stands ready to support the efforts to strengthen Syria’s institutions and to help build long-term peace, stability, and security.
And we look forward to working with the Assembly as it seeks to build an inclusive, prosperous future for all Syrians.
Second, Syria’s security situation remains fragile.
There is a real risk that wider regional conflict could undermine the country’s long overdue recovery.
And we urge all parties to de-escalate and to focus on rebuilding regional stability.
We condemn the egregious Iranian-claimed attacks against Syria last week.
And we also call on Israel to set out a timeline for their withdrawal from areas in southern Syria.
And we urge the Israeli Government to return to negotiations with the Syrian Government. This is in all parties’ interests.
We also condemn the recent terrorist attacks in Damascus and offer our deepest condolences to those affected.
There can be no justification for such violence.
The UK will continue to work closely with the Syrian Government to support its counterterrorism efforts, and we remain an active member of the Global Coalition against Daesh.
President, this month marks one year since the violence in the southern province of Suwayda, in which many innocent lives were lost, and tens of thousands of people displaced.
We continue to support efforts to find a negotiated solution for Suwayda one that upholds Syria’s sovereignty and unity, while addressing accountability, social cohesion, access to essential services, and humanitarian assistance.
Finally, we welcome the landmark decision by the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to restore Syria’s rights and privileges.
This recognises the leadership and commitment of the Syrian Government in locating and destroying the stockpile of chemical weapons left by the Assad regime.
President, Syria has made important progress in its efforts to build peace and security for its people, and in its commitment to play a positive and constructive role in its neighbourhood.
The Council should continue to support Syria in these efforts and to help forge a safer and more prosperous future.