The new authorities must build a democratic state representative of Syria’s rich diversity: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

I will make three points today.

First, as we mark the start of this new year, the first for over half a century without the Assad family in power in Syria, this is a moment of hope for the future of Syria and the Syrian people.

But rebuilding a country is not a place for quick fixes.

So we call on all involved to focus on the opportunity to build a democratic state, representative of Syria's rich diversity and to take the necessary steps to establish participation across all of Syria's society.

We're encouraged by the new interim authorities' timelines for drafting a new constitution and holding elections and national dialogue.

We are encouraged by early engagement with the international community and call for continued cooperation with the UN throughout the transitional period.

Second, there is much to be done, as we've heard, in the short term to protect civilians and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the 17 million people who need it. 

We call on all parties to stop activity that could lead to further escalation or suffering for the civilian population and to protect vulnerable displaced populations.

Since the fall of Assad, the UK has committed a further $76 million to support vulnerable Syrians in Syria and across the region.
Third, Syria must eliminate the chemical weapons the Assad regime used against its own citizens.

Colleagues, now is the moment to close the Syria chemical weapons file once and for all. 

We welcome the interim authorities' commitment to secure chemical weapons stocks and their commitment to engage constructively with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to fully declare and verify the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons. 

I encourage members of this Council to support cooperation between the interim authorities and the OPCW, to ensure these appalling weapons can never be used again.

In conclusion, President, we look forward to working together, across the Security Council, to support the Syrian people in moving towards a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political transition leading to an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government.

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