Doha: The United Nations Security Council strongly condemned the large-scale violence in Syria's Latakia and Tartous provinces last week, which involved mass killings. The Council called for the protection of all civilians in Syria without discrimination.

According to Qatar News Agency, in a statement, the Security Council expressed deep concern over the impact of the violence on rising tensions among communities in Syria. It urged all parties to immediately cease hostilities and incitement and to ensure the protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure, and humanitarian operations.

Reaffirming the obligation to uphold human rights and international humanitarian law under all circumstances, the Council called on all parties and states to guarantee full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected populations and to ensure the humane treatment of all individuals, including those who have surrendered or laid down their arms. It also urged increased international support for UN and humanitarian organizations to urgently scale up aid for civilians in need across Syria.

Additionally, the Council called on interim authorities to safeguard all Syrians regardless of ethnicity or religion. It reiterated its strong commitment to Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, emphasizing the importance of respecting these principles and refraining from any actions or interventions that could further destabilize the country.

While stressing the need to combat terrorism in Syria, the Council also voiced concern over the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters, warning of its potential impact on all regions and member states.

The statement urged Syrian authorities to take decisive measures to address this threat, including establishing an independent commission to investigate violence against civilians and identify those responsible. It emphasized Syria's obligations under relevant Security Council resolutions on counter terrorism and the need to hold perpetrators of mass killings accountable.

The Council underscored the urgency of implementing inclusive and transparent justice and reconciliation processes for a sustainable future in Syria. It also reiterated the necessity of a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, facilitated by the UN, in accordance with the core principles of Resolution 2254.