Syria's ambassador promises UN Security Council to convert optimism into deeds during inaugural speech
Ibrahim Olabi, the new Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to the UN, delivered his first remarks to the Security Council on Thursday. The 34-year-old British-German lawyer and human rights advocate addressed a range of issues, including Syria's efforts to revive its economy, the upcoming elections, and the crisis in Suwayda.
Olabi began by acknowledging international calls for justice and reform in Syria. He pledged to 'turn hope into action' and signaled a historic shift in Syria's approach to diplomacy, accountability, and national reconciliation.
Syria is making efforts to revive its economy through agreements with foreign governments and international companies. The country is also making strides towards holding its first elections 'in decades' based on a genuine separation of powers. The electoral process will be carried out under judicial and media supervision, with international observers allowed to monitor the vote. The process will also have a minimum of 20 percent representation for women on candidate lists.
The upcoming elections, however, were not free or democratic, as the parliamentary elections last year were orchestrated by the Islamist regime under Ahmed al-Sharaa. Seats were either appointed by the regime or selected by committees controlled by it, effectively excluding free competition and banning all other parties.
Olabi promised that the process would be inclusive and transparent, with the aim of ensuring that the families of victims feel that justice was truly served. He mentioned that oversight agreements have already been signed between the High Electoral Commission and civil society organizations.
Much of Olabi's statement focused on recent unrest in Suwayda, a southern governorate in Syria. The Syrian government, according to Olabi, has adopted a comprehensive roadmap for resolving the crisis in Suwayda, developed during a tripartite meeting in Damascus with the US and Jordan. The roadmap envisions the creation of a local police force representative of Suwayda's diverse population, reconstruction of destroyed areas, delivery of humanitarian assistance, and a campaign to promote national unity and counter extremism.
Olabi also addressed the ongoing crisis in Syria, including the country's worst drought in three decades, threatening food and water security. The roadmap includes an official request for an investigation by the UN's Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria and a commitment to hold accountable all perpetrators of violence, regardless of affiliation.
Olabi lamented the 'insufficient' support from the international community at both the humanitarian and developmental levels. He condemned recent Israeli airstrikes in Syria and called on the UN Security Council to take urgent action. Olabi also accused Israel of expanding its operations in Syrian territory, particularly in the occupied Golan Heights.
In conclusion, Olabi's address marked a significant step in Syria's diplomatic efforts. His commitment to transparency, accountability, and national reconciliation, coupled with Syria's economic and political reforms, offer a glimmer of hope for a peaceful future in the war-torn country.
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