Envoy calls for end to sanctions on Syria

A Chinese diplomat on Thursday urged countries that have imposed sanctions on Syria to lift them immediately.

"We urge relevant countries to respond actively to the appeals of the secretary-general and his special envoy on lifting unilateral sanctions (on Syria) immediately," Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told the Security Council's open videoconference on the political situation in the war-scarred country.

"We also request the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to assess the humanitarian impact of unilateral sanctions, as an integral part of the humanitarian reports," Geng said.

"Those who claim that unilateral sanctions cause no harm in Syria should join China and many other countries in requesting a report by the secretary-general on this issue."

Geng noted that the reason for the sufferings of the Syrian people is self-evident. Years of economic blockade and illegal sanctions have worsened the socioeconomic and humanitarian situation in Syria, undermined the livelihoods of its people, and caused tremendous hardship to civilians－in particular, women and children, he said.

"At this critical time, the unilateral sanctions further compromised the capacity of Syria to ensure access to food, essential health supplies and medical support to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is against humanity and totally unacceptable," he said.

The envoy called on the international community to take actions to help the Syrian government cope with these economic and humanitarian challenges.

Concrete actions

On the issue of terrorism in the country, Geng said: "We welcome the efforts by relevant parties to maintain a cease-fire and promote stability in Syria. The international community must be alerted and keep an eye on the terrorist activities in northwest Syria.

"We should not allow terrorist groups to take advantage of the current situation. The Security Council should support the special envoy's call for effective, cooperative and targeted counterterrorism efforts. We call on relevant parties to launch negotiations and take concrete actions on counterterrorism."

Geng said Syria's future must be decided by Syrians, without foreign interference.

"It is fundamental to respect and uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. China will ... work with the international community for a lasting peace in Syria."

Xinhua contributed to this story.