Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attacks in Syria

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks in Jableh and Tartous, Syria, on 23 May, for which Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh) claimed responsibility, during which more than a hundred people were killed and injured. They expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people of the Syrian Arab Republic. They also wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their grave concern that ISIL (Da’esh), foreign terrorist fighters who have joined ISIL (Da’esh) in Syria, groups that have pledged allegiance to ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Nusra Front and other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with ISIL (Da’esh) or Al-Qaida continue operating in Syria, and condemned the negative impact of their presence, violent extremist ideology and actions on the stability of Syria, neighbouring countries and the region, with a devastating humanitarian impact on the civilian populations. They stressed the need for all Member States to fully comply with their obligations under resolution 2178 (2014).

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality or civilization.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice and stressed that those responsible for these terrorist attacks should be held accountable.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

The members of the Security Council stressed the need to take measures to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorism, terrorist organizations and individual terrorists in accordance with resolutions 2199 (2015) and 2253 (2015).

The members of the Security Council also reiterated their condemnation of indiscriminate attacks on civilians by any party to the Syrian conflict. They supported the International Syria Support Group’s expression, in its May 17 Statement, of its serious concern about growing civilian casualties in recent weeks, making clear that the attacks on civilians by any party are completely unacceptable.

The members of the Security Council expressed their full support for the efforts of the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, and underscored the need for the full implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions 2254 (2015) and 2268 (2016), the Vienna Statement of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) of 17 May 2016, the Munich Statement of the ISSG of 11 February 2016, the Vienna Statements of 30 October and 14 November 2015 and the 2012 Geneva communiqué.

The members of the Security Council called for a new round of negotiations between the parties, under the auspices of the United Nations, to be convened at an appropriate time and urged the parties to engage constructively in this process. They reiterated their call on the parties to immediately allow humanitarian agencies rapid, safe and unhindered access throughout Syria by most direct routes, also called for allowing immediate humanitarian assistance to reach all people in need throughout Syria as defined by the United Nations and called for in Security Council resolution 2254, particularly in all besieged and hard-to-reach areas, including all those in the Damascus Suburbs, and stressed that border crossings that are necessary for humanitarian relief should remain open as called for in Security Council resolution 2258 (2015).

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Syria.