President, 

I thank Special Envoy Geir Pederson and Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher for their briefings. I welcome the presence of the representatives of Syria, Iran, Türkiye, and Qatar at today's meeting. 

At present, the situation in Syria is still at a critical stage. Helping Syria achieve a smooth political transition and a return to peace and stability at an early date is the common expectation of the international community, and should be the goal of joint efforts by all parties. I would like to make the following points. 

First, China supports the Syrian interim authorities in continuing extensive dialogue and communication with all parties concerned in accordance with the principles set out in Council Resolution 2254, in order to promote an inclusive political transition process. We note that the Syrian interim authorities have enacted a decree on the interim people's assembly elections and are expected to complete elections by mid-September. China supports Special Envoy Pederson in playing his role in the political transition process in Syria. 

Second, the security situation in Syria is still fragile, with armed conflicts occurring from time to time. Just recently, recurring large-scale violence happened in the western coastal area and in Suweida. A large number of innocent civilians were tragically abused and killed, which is saddening. It is the responsibility of the Syrian interim authorities to protect the legitimate rights and interests of all Syrians. Investigation reports on the violence in the western coastal area should be made public at an early date, and there should be investigation and accountability of the violent incidents in Suweida in a transparent, credible, and responsible manner. All parties in Syria should work in the same direction to jointly maintain stability and avoid triggering a new conflict. 

Third, terrorist forces are increasingly active within Syria, which is worrying. There are reports indicating that foreign terrorist fighters were major perpetrators of the violent incidents in the western coastal area in March and in Suweida in July. Continued condoning of terrorists will only bring greater harm to Syria and other countries in the region. We urge the Syrian interim authorities to take strong measures to resolutely counter all terrorist organizations designated by the Council, including the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, also known as the Turkistan Islamic Party. 

It must be pointed out that the purpose of the Council's sanctions related to Syria is to counter the terrorist forces within Syria and to maintain peace and security in the country and the region. With regard to adjusting its sanctions regime related to Syria, the Council should consider the current counter-terrorism and security situation in Syria, the capacity of the Syrian interim authorities, and the possible implications of such adjustments, among others, in a comprehensive manner, and should make judicious decisions based on a careful study, in order to strictly prevent the terrorist forces in Syria from exploiting the situation and gaining strength. 

Fourth, the UN humanitarian agencies have made great efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Syria, in particular, by overcoming difficulties and actively coordinating the delivery of humanitarian supplies into Suweida. China calls on the international community to increase its humanitarian assistance to Syria and help the Syrian people tide over these difficult times. China is concerned about the report of attack on aid convoy in Daraa Governorate. The safety and security of humanitarian workers should be guaranteed under all circumstances. 

Lastly, I would like to reiterate that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Syria should be fully respected. This is a principle that must be upheld in dealing with the Syrian issue. The Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights is completely null and void. Unauthorized foreign troops should not be stationed in the area of separation. The discharging of UNDOF' duties in accordance with the mandate given by the Council should be guaranteed. 

Thank you, President.