Members of the United Nations Security Council are taking a wait-and-see approach to the “fluid” situation in Syria following President Bashar al-Assad’s unexpected fall from power, diplomats said after an emergency closed-door session on Monday.
Russia’s UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya told reporters that council members were largely united on the need to protect Syria’s territorial integrity, ensure civilian protection, and maintain humanitarian access.
“Everyone was surprised by the developments – the whole world, including council members. So now we need to wait” to see how the situation unfolds, Nebenzya said, adding that the council was not yet ready to issue a formal statement.
U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood echoed this sentiment, saying “nobody expected Syrian forces would collapse like a house of cards”.
He noted that many council members described the situation as “extremely fluid and likely to change day by day for now”.
Despite differences, Wood said nearly all members emphasised respecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while expressing concern about the humanitarian situation.
He indicated the council would work towards issuing a unified statement in coming days.
The Security Council has been largely paralysed over Syria since the war began in 2011, with Russia frequently using its veto power to protect Assad’s government.
When asked about potentially removing the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from UN sanctions lists – a key rebel force behind Assad’s fall – both Russian and U.S. envoys said the council had not yet addressed this issue.
(information from protothema.gr)
