New York, October 22, 2025

Mr. President,

I would first like to thank Deputy Special Envoy Ms. Najat Rochdi as well as OCHA Director Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham for their informed and insightful briefings.

The Syrian President outlined here in New York the principles for the transition: stability, peace, development.

How can the Council contribute to this, for peace in the region and for the Syrian people?

The Syrian political transition is encouraging. The appointment of the first members of Parliament on October 5 marked the beginning of a transparent process to build a Syria that is united in its diversity. This diversity is complex to manage, but has always been one of the country’s greatest assets. The United Nations must support this process.

However, there are many challenges ahead: establishing a role for women, overcoming the old reflexes of revenge and violence, averting communal clashes, defeating Daesh and Al-Qaeda.

France welcomes the conclusion of a comprehensive ceasefire in early October between the Damascus authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces. While tensions persist, we call for the implementation of the March 10 agreement.

The same spirit of reconciliation and inclusion is needed, mutatis mutandis, with all the communities that make up the Syrian population. Transitional justice and zero tolerance for terrorism will contribute to this.

Beyond that, three priorities should be the focus of our Council’s attention:

1/ Fostering Syria’s integration in its regional environment.

France calls for a sovereign Syria living in peace with its neighbors. The rapprochement between Syria and Lebanon marks a new chapter in their bilateral relationship, based on mutual respect. France stands ready to support cross-border cooperation.

Israel, for its part, must seize the historic opportunity of a Syria wishing to make peace with its neighbors by immediately ending its military activities on Syrian territory and by withdrawing from the occupied zone.

2/ Providing large-scale humanitarian aid and support to the country’s economy, commensurate with the needs of the Syrian people.

It is our responsibility to ensure that humanitarian aid can be delivered without hindrance throughout the country. The international community, with the support of the United Nations and its agencies, should support the transition from humanitarian aid to early recovery of the country.

Last May, we lifted all European sectoral sanctions against Syria. We are currently working on lifting UN sanctions, which is an opportunity to convey two messages: first, zero tolerance for terrorism, and second, support for economic development, particularly through foreign investment.

This will encourage the return of refugees and internally displaced persons, which is a priority for Syria as well as for its neighbors.

3/ Adapting the United Nations’ presence in Syria.

Integrated management of political and humanitarian missions in Syria, which are currently fragmented, will better respond to the challenges on the ground. Coordination must be strengthened, particularly in the fight against impunity, in close cooperation with human rights mechanisms.

The United Nations has added value in supporting the Syrian authorities in this transition, in whatever format they deem most appropriate. France stands ready to contribute to the discussion.

Mr. President,

In conclusion, history is hesitant in Syria, but hope is reborn. The Syrian people and government wish to create a reconciled and peaceful country. Let us shoulder our responsibility in helping ward off threats and keep promises.

Thank you.