ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has welcomed Syria's progress toward national consolidation and called for sustained international support for a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned process to build a peaceful, united, sovereign and prosperous country.
Speaking at the UN Security Council briefing on the humanitarian and political situation in Syria, Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, said on Thursday that Syria had travelled "a considerable distance in a remarkably short period," with the country increasingly moving from a period of profound transition toward national consolidation.
Ambassador Jadoon praised the Syrian government's efforts to steer the country through this critical period and welcomed continued efforts to unify and consolidate the Syrian state.
He particularly highlighted progress towards integrating institutions in northeastern Syria into State structures, urging all concerned to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue, accommodation and mutual understanding.
"A process that brings all Syrians together and strengthens national institutions will provide the strongest foundation for Syria's future," he added.
He also underscored the importance of combating terrorism, including the threat posed by terrorist groups and foreign terrorist fighters.
Ambassador Jadoon called for international cooperation and capacity-building support to enable Syria to confront terrorism effectively and in accordance with international law.
Lifting of sanctions welcomed
Addressing Syria's severe economic and humanitarian challenges, Ambassador Jadoon welcomed the United States' and the European Union's lifting of sanctions, noting that increased investment and economic engagement from partner and brotherly countries would help restore livelihoods and lay the foundations for development.
He stressed that Syria's transition must not be undermined by external actions.
"Israel's continued military activities and presence on Syrian territory constitute violations of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said, stressing that Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity must be fully respected, alongside strict observance of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement and relevant Security Council resolutions.
Israeli incursions condemned
Pakistan also condemned recent incursions into Syrian territory by senior Israeli officials, including at Mount Hermon, and called for Israel to vacate the Syrian Golan and other occupied Syrian territory.
Ambassador Jadoon emphasized that the Syrian people, after years of extraordinary suffering, now face an opportunity to consolidate the gains achieved.
"Pakistan will continue to stand with the Syrian people and support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned process that leads towards a peaceful, united, sovereign and prosperous Syria," he concluded.