Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent
Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on
Syria.
"I will make three points.
First, the current conflict in the region is having a profound
impact on neighbouring countries.
Iran's reckless attacks threaten to escalate the conflict and
further disrupt supply chains and economic security.
As we've heard, the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel is also
exacerbating humanitarian vulnerability and displacing tens of
thousands into Syria, many of them women and children.
This adds to an already difficult humanitarian situation and
places further strain on fragile services.
My Foreign Secretary has underlined the UK's grave concern at the
developing conflict and called for de-escalation.
The UK has announced $20 million in emergency humanitarian
support across the region, half of which will support
organisations in Lebanon.
In Syria, we have released an additional $650,000 to support
those impacted by the crisis, including vulnerable women and
girls.
Second, Mr President, the UK welcomes continued progress on
implementing the agreement between the Syrian Government and the
Syrian Democratic Forces.
I want to pay tribute to the work of the US and you personally,
Mr President, in brokering this agreement.
Ongoing security co-operation, initial appointments of SDF
officials to Government posts, and the return of Kurdish families
to areas of Afrin are vital steps that build confidence and pave
the way towards a stable and unified Syria.
Elections in Raqqa Governorate are a further positive sign and an
important step towards developing a representative and inclusive
Syrian political system.
We hope to see further momentum maintained and resolution of
outstanding issues, including prisoner exchanges and military
integration.
And third, I welcome the efforts of Deputy Special Envoy Cardone
to renew and strengthen the UN's relationship with the Government
of Syria.
The Envoy's Office plays an important role in coordinating the
UN's support to Syria's recovery.
We hope to see its relocation to Damascus in the near future to
better enable UN support on the ground.
We encourage the UN and the Syrian Government to work
constructively towards this goal.
Colleagues, 15 years since the initial uprising against Assad and
15 months since his ousting, we continue to see genuine and
historic progress in Syria.
We must do all we can to maintain momentum towards a more stable
and secure future for the Syrian people."
