Ambassador Tammy Bruce
Deputy Representative of the United States to the United Nations
New York, New York
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Madam President, and thank you to today’s briefers.
The United States welcomes the ongoing progress that the Syrian authorities continue to make on political, humanitarian, and security priorities.
We welcomed President al-Sharaa and the Syrian delegation back to New York for UNGA high-level week last month, when Syria joined other regional partners in a GCC+ meeting that included discussion of shared efforts to counter Iran’s malign influence throughout the region.
Justice and accountability for missing Americans remains a top U.S. priority, and the United States and Syria co-hosted an event highlighting the voices of families of the missing, their ongoing need for answers and closure, and the critical needs for accountability.
We were also pleased to participate in the repatriation of 36 stolen Syrian antiquities to the Syrian people. We encourage Member States to cooperate with Syria to prevent and interdict antiquities trafficking – not only to safeguard Syria’s heritage, but also to deny terrorists and criminals a source of financing.
The United States was proud to co-chair, alongside Italy, an ad hoc meeting earlier this month of the D-ISIS coalition, including with the Government of Syria.
This meeting provided the opportunity to mark the end of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) in Iraq and to thank Syria for progress in degrading ISIS. OIR has achieved its central military purpose: ISIS no longer controls territory in Iraq or Syria, and its ranks have been decimated in both countries.
We celebrate the D-ISIS Coalition having a partner in Damascus that recognizes the ISIS threat and is determined to work with the Coalition to diminish it. Lasting security in Syria depends on strengthening inclusive, sovereign state institutions capable of representing and protecting all communities who can equally partake in their country’s future.
And last week, we welcomed Syria’s Minister of Finance and Governor of the Central Bank to New York for discussions with U.S. financial sector representatives on critical steps Syria has taken to reintegrate the Syrian financial system into the global economy.
In Suwayda, we reaffirm our support for the trilateral roadmap announced by the United States, Syria, and Jordan. We urge all parties to exercise restraint and continue implementation of the roadmap toward accountability, security, reconciliation, and the safe return of displaced Syrians.
We continue to encourage Israel and Syria to exercise restraint and pursue de-escalation. The United States remains engaged with both countries to support dialogue and peaceful solutions.
Thank you.
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