UN chief calls for prevention of full-scale attack on Syria's Idlib

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday said it is "absolutely essential" to avoid a full-scale attack on Syria's Idlib, the last major rebel stronghold.

"This (full-scale attack) would unleash a humanitarian nightmare unlike any seen in the blood-soaked Syrian conflict," said the UN chief at a press encounter.

Almost half of Idlib's population of 2.9 million people had gone there to seek refuge from conflict elsewhere in Syria. They include close to one million children. Their lives have been upended and they have nowhere to go, he said.

General view of the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East and Syria, Idlib at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States on September 11, 2018. /VCG Photo

"Idlib is the last so-called 'de-escalation zone' in Syria. It must not be transformed into a blood bath."

Guterres reminded parties to the conflict of their obligations under international law to protect civilians.

"I understand that the present situation in Idlib is not sustainable and the presence of terrorist groups cannot be tolerated. But fighting terrorism does not absolve warring parties of their core obligations under international law," he said.

The UN chief added "I make a clear appeal to all parties directly and indirectly involved – and in particular the three guarantors of the de-escalation zone, namely Iran, Russia and Turkey: Spare no effort to find solutions that protect civilians. Preserve basic services such as hospitals. Ensure full respect for international humanitarian law."

He also asked for peace-making efforts, particularly within the framework of the UN-led Geneva process.

There is an urgent need to make greater progress in the Geneva process, and in particular the creation of a constitutional committee as part of the overall political package, he said. "There is no military solution to the conflict. The solution must be political."

A building was destroyed by a reported air strike by Russian air force in the district of Jisr al-Shughur, in Idlib province, on September 9, 2018. /VCG Photo

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency