Syrian envoy to the UN calls for rebuilding a democratic future

Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Qusay al-Dahhak, has expressed hope for a future where Syrians can rebuild their country and establish a state founded on freedom, equality, the rule of law, and democracy.

In his first press conference at the UN headquarters in New York following the fall of the Baath regime, al-Dahhak emphasized the desire of the Syrian people to create a better future.

“Syrians are eagerly awaiting the creation of a state where freedom, equality, the rule of law, and democracy are upheld. We will unite our efforts to rebuild our country and restore what has been destroyed,” al-Dahhak stated.

Al-Dahhak reiterated that his role and that of his team at the UN is to defend the interests of the Syrian people, following directives from the Syrian leadership. “We are not the decision-makers; we follow the instructions from the leadership that shapes Syria’s foreign policy. We are now waiting for the new government,” he said.

The Syrian envoy also emphasized the ongoing efforts to improve the country’s living conditions and facilitate the return of refugees and displaced persons. “We want to live in stability and security. Syrians have suffered for too long. We want a brighter future for them,” he said, reaffirming the UN mission’s commitment to supporting Syria’s recovery.

Reflecting on the recent collapse of the Baath regime, al-Dahhak admitted that the rapid developments took him by surprise but emphasized that the happiness of the Syrian people outweighed the unexpected nature of the event. “If Syrians are happy, we are happy. When they suffer, we suffer. We are not defending an individual, but the country itself,” he added.

Al-Dahhak also condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes on Syrian territory, noting that the Syrian delegation had lodged a formal complaint with the UN. He called on Israel to cease its attacks and refrain from taking advantage of Syria’s transitional period, urging compliance with international law.