ISTANBUL

The UN Security Council reiterated Sunday its "strong commitment" to Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity while condemning interference in the country's transition.

"The Security Council ... reaffirms its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic and calls on all states to respect these principles," the council said in a statement.

It condemned "all forms of negative or destructive interference in Syria's political, security and economic transition," warning that such interventions undermine stability efforts.

The statement called on all states to "refrain from any action or interference that may further destabilize the country."

The council also expressed "deep concern" about the events that took place in the southern Suwayda region in July. It "strongly" condemned the violent escalation in the region.

Suwayda has observed a ceasefire since July 19 following a week of armed clashes between Druze groups and Bedouin tribes that left 426 dead, according to the London-based Syrian Network for Human Rights.  

Combating all forms of terrorism in country

The statement also emphasized the importance of respecting the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and the role of UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in this regard, and stressed the need to follow its terms in order to reduce tensions.

On terrorist groups active in Syrian territory, the statement underscored the importance of combating all forms of terrorism within the country and expressed concern about the threat these terrorists pose to the country. 

The Security Council also expressed its support for the implementation of an inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process.

It emphasized the need to protect all ethnic and religious groups within the country, saying that without this, there can be no "meaningful recovery" in Syria.

“The Security Council welcomes the statement by the Syrian interim authorities condemning the violence and taking action to investigate and hold to account those responsible,” it said.

The declaration comes as the Syrian administration works to restore stability after Bashar al-Assad was ousted in late 2024, ending nearly 25 years of authoritarian rule.

Following Assad's fall, Israel expanded its occupation of Syria’s Golan Heights by seizing the demilitarized buffer zone, violating the 1974 disengagement agreement.

Israel also launched hundreds of airstrikes targeting Syrian military sites, including fighter jets, missile systems, and air defense installations.