A3+ group condemns Israeli attacks on Syrian territory and calls for immediate lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria

Algeria and the African countries within the A3+ group of the UN Security Council today condemned the repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian territory and reiterated their demand for the immediate lifting of unilateral sanctions imposed on Syria.

The group reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Syria’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, calling for non-interference in Syria’s internal affairs.

This came in a speech delivered by Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amar Benjamaa, on behalf of the “A3+” group, which includes the three African countries that hold non-permanent membership in the Security Council (Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Somalia), in addition to the Republic of Guyana from the Caribbean region, during a briefing on Syria, as reported by the Algerian Press Agency (APS).

Benjamaa said, “The A3+ group reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Syria, which today faces serious security, humanitarian, political, and economic challenges.”

He noted that “these fundamental principles cannot be advanced in the absence of civil peace among the country’s diverse communities, and also without an end to foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs.”

The group warned of the danger of repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, stressing that these attacks exacerbate the security situation in the region.

Ben Jamaa also warned of the danger of Israeli statements regarding the occupation of Syrian territory and the establishment of a so-called “demilitarized zone” in southern Syria, stressing that all of this constitutes a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Mr. Ben Jamaa affirmed the group’s condemnation of these Zionist statements and actions, emphasizing that the Golan Heights is occupied Syrian territory, as affirmed by Security Council Resolution 497, calling for full respect for the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

Ben Jama indicated that the group considers these challenges facing Syria “require the full support and solidarity of the international community,” highlighting the importance of “building a Syria that is inclusive of all its citizens without any form of discrimination.”

Ben Jama noted that establishing a committee to promote civil peace and reconciliation and to enhance and facilitate communication between local communities is “essential to achieving lasting peace” in Syria.

Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations also affirmed the group’s welcome of the Constitutional Declaration issued in Syria on the 13th of this month, emphasizing the need for the transitional process in Syria to be inclusive.

In the same context, the group stated that it “took note of the agreement concluded by the Syrian leadership and the Syrian Democratic Forces on the 10th of this month, and called on all actors to support a national ceasefire.”

The group reiterated its “support for the efforts of the UN Special Envoy to provide assistance to the Syrian authorities by organizing a comprehensive political process under Syrian national leadership.

The group stated: “If we are sincere in our commitment to supporting the transitional process in Syria, we must provide Syrians with the means to rebuild their country, because without rapid economic recovery, it will be difficult to ensure a prosperous and secure future for Syrians.”

In this regard, the group reaffirmed its firm belief that the rapid lifting of unilateral sanctions is “essential.”

Hanan