UN chief Guterres visits Syria, urges sanctions lift and political transition in first trip since 2009
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3 days · 3 summary articles
UN chief Guterres visits Syria, urges sanctions lift and political transition in first trip since 2009
Syria seeks security deal with Israel without yielding Golan Heights, president says
UN chief Guterres makes first Syria visit in 17 years to meet rebel-turned-president al-Sharaa
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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited Syria on Sunday, marking the first visit by a UN chief to the country since 2009. During his visit, Guterres met with Syrian civil society representatives in Damascus and expressed his commitment to supporting a "successful and meaningful political transition" in Syria.
Guterres toured the notorious Sednaya Prison north of Damascus, describing the conditions as appalling. He expressed hope for Syria's future, stating that the country faces a "moment of opportunity" to recover from years of conflict.
Guterres met with Syria's transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to discuss international support for reconstruction efforts. He emphasized the need to lift all remaining sanctions against Syria to facilitate its reintegration into the regional and global economy. "Syria needs investments in its people, economy, and institutions," Guterres said at a press conference in Damascus.
The UN chief also highlighted the importance of ensuring the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons. According to UN data, approximately 1.7 million refugees have returned to Syria since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, but around 5.5 million remain displaced within the country, and another 6 million are refugees abroad.
The World Bank estimates that post-war reconstruction in Syria could cost around $216 billion.
Critics, including activist Hassan Akkad, have accused the UN of effectively financing the Assad regime through its humanitarian aid programs during the war. "Without justice, there is no peace," Akkad said in a video message directed at Guterres.
During his visit, Guterres also met with UN peacekeepers stationed in the Golan Heights and discussed regional security issues. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has expressed interest in reaching a security agreement with Israel, although he emphasized that this would not compromise Syria's claim to the Golan Heights, which Israel has occupied since 1967.
Guterres' visit to Syria is part of a broader regional tour that includes stops in Cyprus and Turkey. In a phone call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Guterres stressed that violations of Syria's sovereignty are unacceptable.
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