UN Security Council to hold three sessions on Syria in May

NEW YORK — As the U.S. prepares for its turn in the presidency of the U.N. Security Council, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated U.S. plans to hold three sessions on Syria. The Syrian regime headed by Bashar al-Assad has not gained the right for a softening of relationships, said Thomas-Greenfield, adding that the Syrian regime is still holding people hostage and continues to commit human rights violations.

The first session on 20 May will cover the humanitarian situation. The second session on 23 May will focus on chemical weapons usage and storage in the country. The third session on 31 May will concern the political situation.

Thomas-Greenfield stressed that one of the Security Council’s priorities should be the grave humanitarian situation facing millions of Syrians.

The U.S. Permanent Representatives’ comments come a week after Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya warned that there is a real risk that Syria will turn into a forgotten crisis.

“As the eyes of the world turn to other conflicts — Syria is on the verge of becoming yet another forgotten crisis despite millions of Syrians struggling each month to survive,” she briefed the UNSC last week.