The Secretary-General calls for the lifting of all sanctions on Syria and affirms that the United Nations stands by its people

He also called on the international community to provide sustained political support, economic engagement, and practical assistance to help Syria rebuild after years of conflict.

In a press conference held at the conclusion of his two-day visit to Syria – the first by a UN Secretary-General to the country in 17 years – Guterres described the transition as “a rare moment in the life of a people” and an opportunity to open a “new chapter” in which all Syrians can see themselves as part of their country’s future.

Guterres said: “The United Nations stands with the Syrian people at this critical moment. The Syrians have shown an exceptional ability to withstand throughout the years of suffering, and they should not bear the burdens of recovery alone.”

He expressed his thanks to the Syrian government for what he described as the “generous hospitality and warm reception” that surrounded his visit.

He explained that he met with President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, and a number of senior officials, along with representatives of various components of Syrian society, including women, youth, civil society organizations, and workers in the humanitarian field.

And he said: “I came to Syria to listen, with all humility and respect, carrying a clear message that the United Nations stands with the Syrian people. I also came with the strongest possible appeal to the international community to spare no effort in supporting the Syrians.”

A call for broad international support

Guterres welcomed the steps that contributed to easing some sanctions and opened new horizons for economic recovery, but he said: “All these sanctions must be lifted immediately.”

He added that the international community is required to keep pace with the Syrians’ determination through sustained political support, economic engagement, and practical aid.

He stressed that Syria needs investment in its people, economy, and institutions, and support to restore basic services, repair infrastructure, revive livelihoods, enhance education and health care, and create economic opportunities, especially for youth.

He also called for providing the necessary support for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and displaced persons, pointing to what he described as the strong will of Syrians to return to their homeland.

He also urged international financial institutions and development partners to re-engage with Syria to help it regain its position in the regional and global economies.

And he said: “A stable, prosperous, and inclusive Syria will benefit all Syrians, and will also contribute to enhancing stability and progress in the region and beyond.”

The Secretary-General acknowledged that the road ahead for Syria will not be easy, but stressed that the country today has an exceptional opportunity to shape its future. And he said“The path forward will not be easy, and there will be setbacks, obstacles and moments of frustration, but there is also a real and exceptional opportunity.”

Visit Saydnaya prison

The Secretary-General said that during his visit he noticed “remarkable progress in the path of political transition,” despite the suffering the country has witnessed.

He indicated that he felt “shock” during his visit to Saydnaya prison, where he said that “tens of thousands of people were killed and tortured.”

He added: “But I also saw resilience, courage, and determination…and felt deep hope that security and stability would be achieved for all.”

He stressed that the United Nations is ready to support efforts aimed at strengthening accountability, transitional justice, human rights, reconciliation, building trust between communities, and ensuring the effective participation of all Syrians, including women and youth.

Condemnation of Israeli violations

Guterres renewed his condemnation of the ongoing Israeli violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. He said: ““I strongly condemn Israel’s continued violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, as well as the fact that the Golan Heights are originally Syrian territory.”

A visit to the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus

Yesterday, the Secretary-General visited the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. He said in a video clip he posted on social media: “Behind me is the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. It is not just a great place of worship, but it also embodies a symbol of Syria as a meeting place of civilizations. I will never forget that one of the scholars of the Umayyad dynasty was behind the establishment of the Caliphate of Cordoba, which played a pivotal role in the transmission of civilization and knowledge to the European continent.”