Ambassador Dorothy Shea, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, addressed the UN Security Council on February 12, 2025, regarding the political and humanitarian situations in Syria. She expressed gratitude to Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya for their briefings.
Ambassador Shea referenced Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent discussions with regional leaders, emphasizing the need for an inclusive transition in Syria. "The United States believes that Council members should continue to urge an expansive representation of Syrian voices in Syria’s future," she stated.
Shea highlighted concerns about Syria potentially becoming a safe haven for terrorism and foreign malign actors exploiting its transition. She noted that the Assad regime had previously allowed Iran and its proxies to use Syrian territory for threatening regional security. Recent reports indicate new groups in Syria are inciting violence with support from Iran, even after its departure from the region.
"The warning signs of Iran’s nefarious influence and intent to reestablish its presence in Syria are clear," Shea warned. She called for collective action against Iran's destabilizing activities.
The ongoing hostilities in northern Syria were also addressed, with Shea stating that the U.S. will pursue a ceasefire to enable local partners to combat ISIS effectively. Since ISIS's territorial defeat, U.S. assistance has been crucial in managing displaced persons camps like Al-Hol and Roj and facilities detaining ISIS fighters. However, Shea stressed that this cannot remain solely a U.S. financial responsibility.
"We accordingly continue to urge countries to expeditiously repatriate their displaced and detained nationals who remain in the region," she urged.
Shea welcomed Karla Quintana's visit to Syria as head of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons (IIMP) and encouraged cooperation with both IIMP and other accountability groups. The resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries through Bab al-Hawa was noted positively.
In conclusion, Ambassador Shea emphasized continued collaboration with allies to achieve stability in Syria for regional security.
"I thank you," she concluded her remarks.