He added that the United Nations remains ready to support the transitional phase – led and owned by Syrians – as well as economic recovery and reconstruction in the country, stressing that "the economic situation is one of the keys to the success of the transitional phase and achieving stability in Syria."
He pointed to Israeli military activities in southern Syria, which include the expansion of engineering and construction works, the establishment of barriers, and the carrying out of inspection, arrest, and shooting operations.
Cordone expressed his concern over the continued repercussions of these activities on civilians, noting the martyrdom of a man on October 5 near an Israeli military site, as well as other incidents of shooting at and arresting civilians, pointing out that 49 people remain, according to reports, in Israeli detention.
He reiterated the UN Secretary-General's call to put an end to violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement and to fully respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that diplomacy is the only way to reach an agreement on security arrangements in accordance with international law.
For his part, Yahya noted the return of more than 3.8 million refugees and displaced persons to their areas of origin since December 2024, pointing out that the return of Syrians is an indicator of their determination to shape their own future, but it does not mean that humanitarian needs have ended.
