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Security Council – Meeting on Syria

Statement delivered by Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi, Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations, at the Security Council meeting on Syria —

Thank you Madam President.

The attack conducted on Khan Sheikhoun on 4 April was ruthless and cruel for the high death toll it caused, including many children. It is a vile action that Italy and the European Union have firmly condemned and that add on to Assad’s reiterated violations of the ceasefire and the violence repeatedly perpetrated by his Armed Forces on civilians.

Our Government is closely following the events unfolding in the Mediterranean, in consideration of its many and direct interests in the stability of the region, where we are playing a role as a security provider for the international community.

As Foreign Minister Alfano stated, Italy understands the reasons of a US military action, proportionate in time and manner, in response to a prolonged sense of impunity that is completely unacceptable. It is also a sign of deterrence against the risk of a further use of chemical weapons in Syria, in addition to the cases already ascertained by the United Nations, for which there should have been already a prompt and meaningful response, including in terms of accountability which this Council must continue to seek.

Madam President,

It is now necessary and urgent to reunite all the main actors involved in the Syrian crisis and work together to finally achieve the political solution that takes the Syrian people out of the tragedy they have been suffering for the past six years.

We must look forward. Italy calls for the international community to continue and redouble its efforts to achieve a UN-led political transition in Syria in compliance with Resolution 2254 of this Security Council and the 2012 Geneva Communiqué. It remains the only way out to the crisis.

It is now necessary that all parties leverage all their influence to facilitate a real ceasefire, ensure full access to humanitarian aid and promote a process aimed at progressively building trust between the Syrian parties.

All different tracks of the Syrian issue – non-proliferation of chemical weapons, cessation of hostilities, fight against terrorism, humanitarian access and the political talks – can only advance, if this Security Council is united. As an elected member of this Council, Italy will continue to work towards this strategic goal.

Thank you, Madam President,