SG/SM/18756

Parties to Syria Conflict Must Ease Delivery of Aid, Says Secretary‑General, also Stressing Urgent Need for Reinvigorated Political Process

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary‑General continues to follow closely the situation in Raqqa, Syria.  He recalls the obligation of all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and abide by international humanitarian and human rights law.  He also urges the parties to facilitate humanitarian access in order to allow aid to reach those in need without delay.

The latest developments in Syria point once again to the urgent need to reinvigorate the political process.  The Secretary‑General has directed his Special Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, to intensify his efforts, in consultation with all concerned, to reconvene the next round of the intra‑Syrian talks on the basis of the Geneva communiqué and relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2254 (2015).

For information media. Not an official record.