A senior UN official has warned that calls for secession in Syria’s southern Sweida province could undermine the country’s unity and territorial integrity, urging dialogue and confidence-building measures to address growing tensions.
Addressing a UN Security Council session on Syria, Claudio Cordone, Deputy Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Syria, stressed the importance of preserving national cohesion during a critical period for the country.
Cordone said that secessionist rhetoric poses a challenge to efforts aimed at maintaining Syria’s unity and called on all parties to pursue dialogue and political engagement.
He also warned that hate speech continues to threaten social cohesion and could hamper attempts to rebuild the country after years of conflict.
According to Cordone, the United Nations is working with Syrian authorities and civil society organisations to address these challenges and promote reconciliation.
The UN official said the organisation remains focused on supporting Syria’s transition towards what he described as a stable and inclusive future.
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He reiterated UN support for transitional justice initiatives and efforts to hold accountable those responsible for crimes committed during the conflict.
Cordone cited the trial of Atef Najib and other defendants as an example of attempts to uphold accountability and due process within Syria’s judicial system.
He also addressed the implementation of the integration agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), noting what he described as progress in the return of displaced residents to the Afrin area.
Cordone said the full implementation of the agreement remains important for strengthening national unity and advancing political stability.
Turning to regional developments, the UN official criticised Israel’s continued military activities inside Syrian territory, referring to what he described as repeated incursions into several areas and the detention of Syrian citizens.
Cordone reiterated the United Nations’ call for Israel to comply with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, release detainees and respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He concluded by welcoming ongoing efforts by the Syrian government to combat armed groups and highlighted continued cooperation between Damascus and regional partners on security issues.
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