UN Official Calls for Genuine Reconciliation in Syria

Strategic Insights -

The situation in Syria remains volatile, with reports of deadly violence in the south and Israeli airstrikes on military sites and key locations in Damascus. UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari has called for genuine reconciliation in Syria, urging all components of Syrian society to participate in a credible, inclusive political transition. The recent clashes in Suweida governorate, which escalated into armed conflicts between Bedouin tribes and local Druze armed groups, have resulted in hundreds of casualties and injuries, and thousands of civilians have been displaced.

Key Takeaways:

  • UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari warned that renewed bloodshed in Syria could derail prospects for a credible, inclusive political transition and widen regional fault lines.
  • Khiari welcomed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's announcement that security in Suweida governorate will be maintained by "some local factions and spiritual leaders" and that the Druze community is an integral part of the Syrian social fabric.
  • Reports of kidnappings in Suweida governorate escalated into armed clashes between Bedouin tribes and local Druze armed groups, resulting in hundreds of casualties and injuries among Damascus security forces and Druze fighters.
  • The Syrian authorities have condemned these violations and committed to investigating and holding accountable those responsible, with the aim of restoring order and bringing those responsible to justice.
  • Khiari urged the Syrian authorities to ensure that the investigation is transparent, in line with international standards and completed quickly, to instil confidence among all Syrians that their State will guarantee protection and justice for all citizens without distinction.
  • Both Israel and Syria must uphold the terms of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, with Khiari urging all Syrian stakeholders to commit to dialogue.

Statistics:

  • Hundreds of casualties among Damascus security forces and Druze fighters.
  • Hundreds injured in the clashes.
  • Thousands of civilians displaced.
  • Reports of corpse mutilation, sectarian incitement, and looting widely circulated on social and conventional media.

Sources:

  • Kuwait News Agency
  • UN Security Council emergency session on the situation in Syria