LOC10:03
07:03 GMT
NEW YORK, Aug 11 (KUNA) -- The UN Security Council (UNSC) expressed grave concern over the recent escalation of violence in the Syrian province of Suwaida since last July, and called on all parties to adhere to the ceasefire arrangement and ensure the protection of civilians.
A UNSC presidency statement issued Sunday evening strongly condemned the violence committed against civilians in Suwaida, which included mass killings and led to the internal displacement of approximately 192,000 people.
The Council urged all parties to ensure access for the UN and its partners to deliver humanitarian assistance to all affected communities in Suwaida and throughout Syria in a full, safe, rapid and unhindered manner.
It reiterated its call on the interim authorities to provide protection to all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religion, stressing that true recovery in Syria cannot be achieved without genuine safety and protection for all Syrians.
The Council welcomed the statement issued by the Syrian Interim Authorities condemning the violence and taking steps to investigate and hold those responsible accountable, calling for credible, prompt, transparent, impartial, and comprehensive investigations in accordance with international standards.
It affirmed its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic and called on all states to respect these principles.
The Council also condemned all forms of negative or destructive interference in the political, security, and economic transition process in Syria, warning that such interference undermines efforts to restore stability in the country.
The Security Council also called for respect for the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, including the principles regarding the area of separation, as well as the mandate and role of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). (end)
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