US' UN envoy accuses Assad regime of ignoring Security Council resolutions, blocking negotiations

HAMILTON, Canada

The US ambassador to the UN on Monday accused the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria of ignoring UN resolutions and negotiations.

"It is the Assad regime who has ignored Security Council resolutions and refused to come to the table," Linda Thomas-Greenfield told a news conference where the US took control of the presidency of the UN Security Council from the UK for the month of December.

Saying that the US has wanted peace negotiations to take place for "very long time," Thomas-Greenfield also expressed concern over the latest developments in Syria, since hostilities between the regime and opposition sparked anew last week.

"The current situation on the ground is concerning. We are watching that situation very closely, and we will continue to engage with partners in the region to find a path into the conflict and for the situation to go back to calm," she said.

The American envoy further stressed the US desire to find a path to "achieve security and peace" for the people of Syria.

On Gaza, Thomas-Greenfield reaffirmed the US' ongoing diplomatic efforts, saying "those efforts are continuing to be made with the hopes that we can get to a resolution and on the humanitarian situation."

"The situation is dire. We are not in any way playing down how dire the situation is, but we're also on the ground every single day, working to find a solution, working to ensure that food and other necessary assistance is being delivered to the Palestinian people and more needs to be done in that area," she said.

On the cease-fire deal for Lebanon, less than a week old but already seeing dozens of violations by Israel, she said: “We're moving forward."

"There has been an agreement. There been some hiccups, but the agreement is still standing, and we're looking forward to monitoring the situation on the ground to ensure that the situation continues. The cease-fire continues to be honored," she said.

The diplomat highlighted "gender inequality and food insecurity, digital threats and regional conflicts" as the major items on their agenda for the month of December.

She stressed the US' determination to tackle the "stubborn challenges,” adding: “Far too many people are relying on us for us to simply throw up our hands, and so instead, we will roll up our sleeves and continue our work."

At the end of the month, on the cusp of 2025, the Security Council helm will pass from the US to Algeria.