Secretary-General's remarks at photo opportunity with Special Envoy and Deputy Special Envoy for Syria
New York, 17 July 2014
Ladies and Gentlemen, good afternoon.
I am very pleased to introduce my new Special Envoy and Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. Staffan de Mistura and Mr.
Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy.
We are fortunate to be able to count on the experience and wisdom of these two esteemed diplomats. They have travelled
to New York only days after their appointment for a first round of consultations. They will travel to Syria, the
countries of the region and other relevant countries in the near future.
As you know, Mr. de Mistura brings to the position decades of experience with the United Nations in conflict-affected
areas, including Somalia, the Middle East, the Balkans, Nepal and, most recently, as Special Representative of the
Secretary-General in Iraq and in Afghanistan.
Ambassador Ramzy has extensive diplomatic experience and deep knowledge of the region. He served most recently as Head
of the Mission of the League of Arab States to Austria and Permanent Observer to the United Nations and other
International Organizations in Vienna since May 2013.
I have assured Mr. de Mistura and Mr. Ramzy that we will work very closely in bringing my good offices to bear on the
situation in Syria, with the support of my senior advisors.
Together, we will spare no effort to help stop the violence and achieve a Syrian-led inclusive political solution that
meets the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people. The full support of the parties and the international community,
including especially a united Security Council, will be essential.
The Syrian people have suffered enough and too long. It is time for action, and it is time for peace.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me say a few words about two other issues.
First, as you are aware, in the past hour or so, Israel has launched a ground offensive against Gaza. I regret that
despite my repeated urgings, and those of many regional and world leaders together, an already dangerous conflict has
now escalated even further. In the past 24 hours, there have been a number of incidents involving the deaths of
civilians, including the appalling killing of four boys on a beach in Gaza City. I urge Israel to do far more to stop
civilian casualties. There can be no military solution to this conflict. This applies as much to Israel-Palestine as it
does to Syria.
Finally, with respect to the Malaysia Airlines disaster today in Ukraine, I am closely monitoring the reports, along
with the International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations agency. There is clearly a need for a full and
transparent international investigation. For the moment, I offer my deep condolences to the families and loved ones of
the victims and people of Malaysia.
Thank you.