Remarks to the Press by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia on Syria
Q: Was that a positive meeting?
A: That was a good meeting, because we spoke out, listened to Geir [UN Special Envoy for Syria] and Jean-Pierre [USG], who came with comments on the situation on the ground. The Council, I think, was more or less united on the need to preserve the territorial integrity and unity of Syria, to ensure the protection of civilians, to ensure that humanitarian aid is coming to the population in need. So, basically, that was it. But look, everyone was taken by surprise by the events, everyone, including the members of the Council. So, we have to wait and see, watch and evaluate how the situation will develop.
Q: What about the Golan Heights?
A: The Golan Heights is the territory occupied by Israel. We hear conflicting messages coming from Israel. First, Netanyahu said that UNDOF is irrelevant. Then, the Israeli Ambassador sent a letter saying that this is a temporary decision, given the vacuum there. And then, Netanyahu at the press conference again said that the Golan Heights are an integral part of Israel. But, now we don't know what part of the Golan Heights he considers to be an integral part of Israel, with them [Israeli armed forces] violating the buffer zone.You know that the Syrian PR sent today a letter to the President of the Security Council and the Secretary-General focused mainly on the Israeli violation of the UNDOF agreement and the continuing aggression of Israel against Syria, which continues as we speak with you. That's it, basically.
Q: Ambassador, should the Security Council take any action on Syria to guide it? And what UN involvement should there be in that regard?
A: We were talking about the need to work out a document by the Council. Not today. Nobody was ready for that today. But I think in the coming days, hopefully, sooner rather than later, we will see it.
Q: Ambassador, will you be pulling out your Air Force people?
A: You're asking the wrong person.
Q: Ambassador, should the Council remove HTS [Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham]?
A: We didn't come to discuss that issue, but that's an issue, of course, because they are listed, and they are not delisted. The State Department recognizes al-Julani as the leader of HTS, and it offers the rate of 10 million dollars for those who can help detain him. I told the Americans: Give us 10 million. We know how to help you. We’ll give you the address where you can find him.
