Mr. President,

At the outset, I would like to thank the Deputy Special Envoy Mr. Claudio Cordone and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Director, Ms. Lisa Doughten, for their briefings. I would also like to thank Ms. Muzna Dureid, co-founder of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement, for her testimony and her comments to this Council.

France welcomes the comprehensive agreement signed on January 29 between the Syrian authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces. This agreement puts an end to a worrying escalation, an escalation which France has taken into consideration at the highest level. This agreement enshrines the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces into the military, security, and administrative apparatus of the Syrian State, all the while guaranteeing the political rights of Kurds in Syria. The Security Council must ensure the effective implementation of this agreement.

While visiting Syria and the broader region last week, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, recalled France’s support, alongside our partners, for the Syrian transition.

As the country embarks on a new chapter towards a more united and sovereign Syria, France would like to make three points in support of this process, which is eagerly awaited by all:

1/ First, the international fight against Daesh must continue tirelessly within a backdrop of the terrorist threat in Syria resurging.

The security of camps and prisons in North-East Syria must be ensured so as not to create vulnerabilities that could be exploited by Daesh. The expertise accumulted by the Syrian Democratic Forces, now integrated in the Syrian security apparatus, can be harnessed to address common security challenges.

We remain committed to the collective effort to combat Daesh within the framework of the international coalition. Our collective security is at stake.

2/ Second, Syria can only recover once peace has been restored and once its transition is firmly rooted.

France strongly supports the Syrian authorities as they pursue the transition that is now underway. France consistently calls for the participation and inclusion of all components of Syrian society in this process. The effective participation of women in Syrian political life will play a determining role.

We stand ready to support transitional justice efforts to ensure that they are transformed into action, so as to begin a new era in which no crime goes unpunished. The recent visit to Paris by a Syrian delegation led by the Vice Minister of Justice and the Syrian Prosecutor General exemplifies this cooperation. The support of United Nations mechanisms is also crucial.

Mr. President,

This pacification is the only way to guarantee the necessary stability for attracting investment and charting a path towards a sustainable economic recovery.

3/ The Security Council must also support Syria’s integration into its environment, so as to foster regional stability.

We encourage the rapprochement with Lebanon and welcome the recent agreement on the transfer of prisoners. A security agreement with Israel must be signed, in the interests of both parties. France welcomes the progress made on this front. It is important for Israel to cease its incursions into Syrian territory and to, at last, seize the opportunity of a Syria eager to pacify its relations.

Mr. Deputy Special Envoy,

France welcomes the presence of your office in Damascus to support the political transition in Syria by harnessing the recognized expertise of the United Nations, with full respect for Syrian sovereignty.

In conclusion, the Security Council must continue to support the Syrian people, which is determinedly moving towards a more prosperous, stable, and secure future.

Thank you.