Olabi warned during a Security Council session dedicated to the situation in the Middle East that the region has faced a serious threat in the last few months and asserted that Syria has worked to prevent further escalation.

The diplomat noted that, despite some progress in reducing tensions, the situation remains volatile and susceptible to deterioration again, while acknowledging the role of mediating countries such as Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye, and the Arab nations of the Persian Gulf.

The Syrian representative also expressed his country’s support for the extension of the ceasefire in Lebanon and reiterated the importance of preserving the country’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

He underscored the need for the State to maintain its monopoly on the use of force, both in Lebanon and Iraq, and called for strengthened control in border areas to prevent the expansion of militias.

Olabi also called to guarantee the safety of peacekeeping forces and expressed condolences to Indonesia and France for the deaths of personnel deployed with the UN mission in southern Lebanon.

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