Hussein, UN Secretary General emphasize engaging all parties in the Syrian government

INA-  Baghdad


A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) stated that “The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein held a phone call with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres Wednesday, in which the two parties discussed developments in the region especially in Syria.

Minister Hussein explained that the situation in Syria is complex, with various armed groups controlling multiple areas, adding that Da’esh has started to reorganize its group, taking advantage of the chaos resulting from the collapse of the Syrian army and the withdrawal of the Syrian Democratic Forces to the east of the Euphrates River, in addition the Minister underlined the importance of securing prisons that hold hundreds of Da’esh members and leaders, and the need to find an urgent solution to the Al-Hawl camp, which holds the families and former members of Da’esh.
 
On his part, Secretary-General Guterres, affirmed that the United Nations through its Special Envoy for Syria, is continuously following up on the situation and problems there, adding that the Secretary-General’s Envoy visited Damascus and met with several parties, stressing the importance of providing support to the Syrian people. As well Mr. Guterres expressed his concern regarding potential tensions between some armed organizations and groups and the “YPG”, with the increasing possibility of a conflict erupting between them, indicating the continuation of communication with Turkey and Qatar to discuss ways to calm the situation.
 
Additionally Minister Fuad Hussein underlined the need to protect Syrian minorities and components and ensure their participation in the political process and not force them to leave their country, while establishing their rights within the framework of a government that represents all parties.
 
The two parties also discussed several issues related to Iraq during the call.