UN Security Council delegation to visit Syria, Lebanon this week

WASHINGTON

A delegation from all 15 member states of the UN Security Council will visit Lebanon and Syria this week, Slovenia’s UN envoy Samuel Zbogar said Monday, as Ljubljana assumes the Council presidency.

Zbogar told reporters that Slovenia will lead the trip in the first week of December, marking the Council’s first visit to the region in six years and its first visit to Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the installation of new leadership this year.

He said the delegation hopes the visit will help rebuild trust with Syrians, noting that “for 14 years, they had the feeling that the UN was not with them fighting the regime.”

“At the same time, of course, we'll convey messages what we expect from Syria regarding inclusivity, fighting against terrorism and other elements,” he added.

Asked about recent deadly Israeli raids in southern Syria, he responded: “We would definitely encourage dialogue between Syria and Israel, Syria and Lebanon, and Syria with all other neighbors,” he said.

The visit coincides with the first anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime on Dec. 8, 2024.

Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia last December, ending the rule of the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963. Sharaa’s new transitional administration was formed in January.

Slovenia’s presidency will also feature an open debate on “Leadership for Peace” and a Human Rights Day meeting on Afghanistan, Zbogar said, while the Council is expected to devote significant attention to Palestine and Ukraine throughout December.