Iran welcomes Syria sanctions relief, urges end to Israeli occupation

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
Today 15:42

Iran's UN envoy hails the lifting of US, EU, and UK sanctions on Syria as a “positive” step, calling for the complete removal of all unilateral measures and condemning foreign military presence and Israeli airstrikes.

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Iran's UN Ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, addresses the United Nations Security Council chamber during an emergency meeting at UN headquarters, on April 14, 2024. (AP)

Iran has welcomed the decision by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom to ease unilateral sanctions on Syria, calling it a "long overdue" yet "positive" development.

Speaking at the UN Security Council session on “The situation in the Middle East: (Syria)” in New York, Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts in Syria must not be politicized.

“We call for the full and unconditional lifting of all unilateral sanctions. These illegal measures violate the UN Charter and international law,” Iravani stated.

Emphasizing that over 16 million Syrians remain in urgent need of humanitarian aid, Iravani said any easing of sanctions must lead to real improvements in living conditions. He also stressed that sanctions relief should support the return of refugees and the rebuilding of Syria’s infrastructure and economy.

The Iranian diplomat also criticized the instrumentalization of humanitarian suffering for political objectives, calling for the international community to ensure that aid delivery is depoliticized and guided solely by humanitarian needs.

Iran condemns Israeli occupation of Golan

Iravani reiterated Iran’s firm stance in support of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemning the presence of foreign troops in the country. He specifically criticized the occupation of the Syrian Golan by "Israel", slamming it as a violation of international law and Security Council Resolution 497 (1981).

Referring to the May 2 airstrike near the presidential palace in Damascus and hundreds of similar strikes since the collapse of the Syrian government in December, Iravani denounced "Israel’s" actions as war crimes. He accused the US of enabling these attacks and said they were designed to perpetuate instability for strategic gain.

Iravani also said that the ongoing foreign military presence in northeastern and southern Syria continues to pose a threat to peace and stability, demanding the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all illegal forces from Syrian territory.

Syria's political future must be Syrian-led

The Iranian envoy stressed that Syria’s future must be determined by its people, free from outside interference, and reiterated support for Security Council Resolution 2254 and the efforts of UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen to facilitate an inclusive, Syrian-led political process.

Highlighting Iran’s role as a regional stakeholder, Iravani said his country backs dialogue between Syria’s interim authorities and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), viewing it as a step toward national integration.

He emphasized Iran’s encouragement of inclusive dialogue that ensures equal rights for all Syrians and promotes national unity and long-term peace.

In a notable regional development, Iravani welcomed the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)’s decision to disband and renounce its insurgency against Turkey. Describing the move as a significant step toward rejecting violence, he urged other affiliated groups, including PJAK, to follow suit.

The PKK’s decision to end more than 40 years of armed conflict marks a turning point in the region. Iran expressed hope that this momentum would contribute to broader stability and security.