Guterres Urges Complete Sanctions Lift During Historic Syria Visit
Poinews.com – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the international community to eliminate every sanction currently affecting Syria, marking the conclusion of his two-day trip to the nation on Sunday. The Secretary-General emphasized that while recent easing measures are welcome, comprehensive removal remains essential for the country’s recovery.
Key Meetings and Observations
Throughout his journey, Guterres engaged with numerous Syrian leaders and citizens. His schedule included discussions with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, and the newly elected parliamentary speaker whose inaugural session occurred earlier this month. Additionally, the UN chief connected with representatives from various segments of Syrian society, including women, youth, and civil society organizations.
Guterres also toured Sednaya prison, located near Damascus. This facility gained international notoriety for its harsh conditions during the decades-long rule of Bashar al-Assad. Furthermore, he met with personnel from the UN peacekeeping contingent stationed in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights region.
Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Needs
Western nations, particularly the United States, have progressively reduced certain restrictions on Syria. Nevertheless, international investors continue to exercise caution despite these improvements. According to World Bank projections, rebuilding the war-torn nation will require approximately $216 billion, equivalent to €190 billion.
“I welcome steps that have eased sanctions, and opening new possibilities for economic recovery, but all these sanctions must be removed immediately,” Guterres declared during a Damascus press conference.
The new Syrian leadership, which assumed control in December 2024, aims to move beyond more than thirteen years of conflict. Their priorities include revitalizing the economy, restoring infrastructure, and strengthening governmental institutions.
Humanitarian Concerns and Refugee Returns
Guterres highlighted multiple areas requiring international assistance. Beyond economic investment, he stressed the importance of restoring essential public services and supporting livelihoods across the country.
“Syria needs investment in its people, its economy and its institutions. Syria needs support to restore essential services, rebuild infrastructure, revive livelihoods,” he explained.
The UN chief also emphasized the need for assistance facilitating the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of displaced populations. Since Assad’s removal, approximately 1.7 million refugees have come back to Syria. Meanwhile, around 5.5 million citizens remain displaced within national borders, and another six million live abroad.
First UN Chief Visit Since 2009
Guterres represents the first UN Secretary-General to travel to Syria since his predecessor Ban Ki-moon visited in 2009, two years before the devastating conflict began. That war ultimately claimed the lives of more than half a million people.
“The United Nations stands with the people of Syria at this pivotal moment. And I came carrying the strongest possible appeal to the international community, an appeal to spare no effort to support the Syrian people and to support the Syrian government,” Guterres stated.
Israeli Incursion and Sovereignty Concerns
During Guterres’ stay, Syrian state media reported that Israeli military forces entered the country’s southern region. The official SANA news agency described the event as an early Sunday incursion into the villages of Maariya and Al-Aarda, situated within the Yarmuk basin of Daraa province.
Israeli soldiers, supported by three military vehicles and a bulldozer, established a checkpoint in Al-Aarda. They also distributed leaflets throughout Yarmuk basin towns, cautioning residents not to block roads or hinder vehicle movement.
Following the December 2024 overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, Israel deployed troops into the UN-monitored buffer zone separating Israeli and Syrian forces on the Golan Heights. Israeli officials have since conducted multiple strikes and deeper incursions into Syrian territory, announcing plans to maintain a security zone in southern Syria while pursuing a broader demilitarized area.
“Violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable and must cease,” Guterres declared on Saturday. “What is happening in the region around the Golan Heights is totally unacceptable,” he added, emphasizing that “the Golan Heights are Syrian territory.”
Transition Progress and International Support
During Saturday’s meeting with President al-Sharaa, Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s dedication to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity. He also voiced serious concerns about Israeli violations of the 1974 disengagement agreement, according to a UN statement.
The international community has encouraged the new Syrian authorities to create a governance framework encompassing all components of the country’s diverse ethnic and religious populations.
“I have no doubt to say this transition is going in the right direction,” Guterres concluded.
