Iran stands ready to help Syria with post-war reconstruction: UN envoy

Iran’s permanent ambassador to the United Nations has voiced Tehran’s readiness to help Syria with its reconstruction process in the aftermath of a destructive Western-sponsored campaign of militancy.

Speaking during a UN General Assembly meeting in New York on Wednesday, Amir Saeid Iravani reiterated the Islamic Republic’s continued support for Syria in the face of threats endangering its territorial integrity such as terrorism and occupation.

“We stand ready to assist in rebuilding their country, ensuring its unity, and preserving its territorial integrity,” he said.

Iran has maintained an advisory mission in Syria at the request of Damascus with the aim of helping the war-torn country vanquish the foreign-backed militants, who have been fighting against the Syrian government since 2011.

Iran’s advisory assistance helped Syria defeat Daesh and win back control of almost all regions from terrorists.

Wednesday’s meeting came days after Russia vetoed a West-backed draft resolution at a UN Security Council session that called for a nine-month extension of aid deliveries to Syria through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey without the consent of Damascus. Also, another resolution by Russia for a six-month extension did not meet the quorum required to pass.

Two days later, Syria submitted a letter to the UN and the Security Council, saying it allows the world body access to the crossing for six months “in full cooperation and coordination” with the Syrian government, warning against any cooperation with terrorists in the country’s north.

Iran’s UN envoy expressed regret about the failure of the Security Council to reach an agreement on the resolution for a cross-border mechanism, welcoming, however, Damascus’ decision to authorize aid deliveries.

“We warmly welcome this decision and sincerely hope that in providing humanitarian aid, the United Nations and its relevant agencies will address Syria’s legitimate concerns. These concerns include the diversion of aid to terrorist organizations in the northwest region and the need for transparent and non-discriminatory distribution of aid,” he added.

Iravani further urged the Western countries to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and avoid legitimizing terrorist groups in northwestern Idlib Province through humanitarian assistance.

“The Syrian Arab Republic has consistently emphasized that the cross-border mechanism undermines its sovereignty and territorial integrity, providing an opportunity for terrorist groups to exploit humanitarian aid for their own interests,” he added.

“The situation raises legitimate concerns about Western intentions that they may seek to divide Syria and establish a self-governing region led by terrorists in the northwest. The continued support for this border crossing through humanitarian aid further exacerbates these worries.”

The ambassador also said that Iran supports the provision of humanitarian assistance without politicization or conditions and in line with the principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality.

“The ever-increasing humanitarian crisis in Syria, further compounded by the devastating earthquake on 6 February 2023, highlights the urgent necessity for humanitarian aid. Ensuring the delivery of impartial and non-politicized assistance to all regions of Syria is paramount for saving lives … It is crucial, however, to uphold Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity throughout this process,” he noted.

Iravani called for the lifting of unilateral Western sanctions on Syria which worsen the humanitarian and economic situation there.