China's UN envoy expresses support for Syria amid COVID-19 threat

China pays close attention to the humanitarian situation in Syria, in particular the impact of COVID-19 on the economic and social development in Syria, said China's top envoy to the United Nations.

"We take note that the Syrian government takes a series of active measures in healthcare, education, transportation, food production and many other aspects to prevent and contain the spread of the virus. We appreciate such efforts," said Ambassador Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN, at a virtual Security Council meeting on the humanitarian situation in Syria on Wednesday.

As years of conflict have undermined Syria's capacity to cope with the pandemic, Zhang called on the international community to involve itself.

Zhang said China is actively cooperating with Syria to combat the novel coronavirus. The first batch of medical assistance arrived two weeks ago in Damascus, Syria's capital.

Last week, one renowned Chinese hospital held a video meeting with Syria's Ministry of Health during which Chinese medical experts shared their firsthand experiences in fighting COVID-19.

"We're willing to continue providing assistance within our capacity to Syria — and call on other countries to do the same," Zhang said.

"We also encourage OCHA (the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of the UN) and other international humanitarian agencies to make more efforts in supporting Syria to respond to the pandemic in various forms," he added.

Zhang pointed out that the humanitarian issues in Syria are interlinked with political, economic and security issues and that they must be managed in an integrated and impartial way, with the full involvement of the Syrian government.

Zhang said it should be acknowledged that the Syrian government has demonstrated the political will to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

With regard to the issue of cross-border humanitarian assistance, full respect must be given to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, Zhang said.

"We call for continued coordination and cooperation between OCHA and the Syrian government to find a sustaining solution together," he said.

With regard to the UN Board of Inquiry, Zhang said China maintains its concern over the way of its establishment and working method.

Zhang said that unilateral sanctions undermine Syria's capacity to combat COVID-19 and destroy the livelihood of civilians.

"There is no means to justify unilateral sanctions, and we are firmly against them," Zhang said. "China reiterates its support for the appeals of the secretary-general and high commissioner for human rights to lift sanctions.

"We urge relevant countries to respect the legitimate rights and lives of all people affected by the pandemic, and (to) immediately lift unilateral sanctions against the countries concerned," he added.

Zhang also pointed out that the humanitarian issues in Syria are closely related to the political process. China calls on all parties to fully push forward a "Syrian-led, Syrian-owned" political process.

"We support the UN and the good offices of the special envoy, in the hope that we can jointly promote the peace and stability of Syria and of the region," he said.