Presidential Statement on Syria trying to address violence - S/PRST/2011/16

Almost a month after the introduction of the European draft resolution on the violence in Syria, the Security Council agreed on issuing a Presidential Statement on the matter, in a tone considerably lighter than the original resolution and without much traction trying to enforce the measures that are described on it. The text of the Presidential Statement adopts a language that tries to promote an even-handed approach, aiming at protecting both the Syrian State Institutions and the protesters that are trying to reform the state. The result is a statement with very little teeth that tries to bite both sides of the apple without compromising any of the parts of the conflict. Another worrying element is that the representative of the Arab Community in the Council, Lebanon, removed itself from the statement eroding part of the legitimacy of the text.



Text

The Council expresses grave concern with the deteriorating situation in Syria and profound regret at the death of hundreds of people and it condemns the widespread of violations of human rights and the use of force against civilians by the state authorities. The document calls for an immediate end to all violence and that all sides act with utmost restraint and for them to refrain from reprisals, including attacks against state institutions. It also calls on the authorities to fully respect human rights and to comply with their obligations under applicable international law and that those responsible for the violence should be held accountable.

The document moves to note the announced commitments by the authorities to reform and regrets the lack of progress in implementing them and for that calls the government to make good on implementing those. The Council reaffirms its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Syria and it stresses that the only solution to the current crisis is thrugh an inclusive and Syrian-led political process. That political process has to address the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the population to enable them to exercise fundamental freedom including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

There is still a call on the Syrian authorities to alleviate the humanitarian situation in crisis areas by ceasing the use of force against affected towns, to allow access for international humanitarian agencies and workers. The local government is also called to cooperate fully with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The document closes it by requesting the Secretary-General to update the Council on the situation in Syria within seven days. Therefore, a report is expected to be delivered on August 10, 2011.