Guterres: A political transition must be achieved in Syria to ease the sanctions and gain the international support
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres confirmed the need to achieve a comprehensive political transition in Syria to ease the sanctions and gain the international support.
Guterres said in an expanded meeting in the UN Security Council that “Syria has been for long decades a crossroads of civilizations and now it stands at a crossroads of history following the fall of the brutal former regime.”
Guterres continued that “we cannot let the flame of hope turn into a hell of chaos, and we welcome the steps taken by countries to show solidarity with the Syrian people.”
Guterres stressed the need to address sanctions, especially amid the country’s urgent economic needs.
Guterres pointed out that enhancing the comprehensive political transition is the most effective way to ensure that Syria receives more support.
UNHCR previously called for lifting the sanctions imposed on Syria with the aim of activating its economic and ensure providing the basic services to ensure a voluntary return of refugees.
Spokesman for UNHCR, William Spindler, said in a statement to the Turkish Anadolu Agency: “If we all want Syrians to be able to return to their country, we need to make those economic conditions in Syria appropriate and conducive to this return.”
According to Spindler, the sanctions previously imposed by governments on Syria “were targeting the ousted regime, but it has ended now, so there should be no reason for the sanctions to continue.”
