WASHINGTON
Slovenia’s UN envoy Samuel Zbogar announced Monday that representatives from all 15 UN Security Council member states will travel to Lebanon and Syria this week, as Slovenia takes over the Council presidency.
Zbogar said Slovenia will head the delegation’s visit during the first week of December — the Council’s first trip to the region in six years and its first to Syria since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s rule and the establishment of a new leadership earlier this year.
He noted that the Council hopes the mission will help restore confidence among Syrians, saying many felt the UN had not stood with them during years of struggle against the former regime.
“At the same time, we will deliver clear expectations to Syria on inclusivity, counterterrorism efforts and other key issues,” he added.
Commenting on recent deadly Israeli strikes in southern Syria, Zbogar said the delegation would encourage dialogue between Syria and Israel, as well as with Lebanon and other neighboring states.
The visit aligns with the first anniversary of Assad’s fall on Dec. 8, 2024. Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly a quarter of a century, fled to Russia last December, ending the Baath Party’s decades-long dominance. A transitional government led by Sharaa was formed in January.
Zbogar said Slovenia’s presidency will also include an open debate on “Leadership for Peace” and a Human Rights Day meeting on Afghanistan, while the Council will devote substantial attention to Palestine and Ukraine throughout December.
