US alters legal status of Syrian delegation to United Nations

NEW YORK — In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has reclassified the legal status of the Syrian delegation to the United Nations in New York, designating it as representing a government unrecognized by Washington. The move underscores persistent tensions between the two nations amid allegations of serious and repeated violations by the Syrian Transitional Government (STG).

Sources confirmed that the reclassification was conveyed through an official memorandum delivered via the United Nations. According to the document, the Syrian delegation’s status has been changed from that of a permanent mission of a recognized member state to that of a mission representing an unrecognized government. As a result, visas previously issued to delegation members under G1 status — reserved for diplomats from recognized governments — have been revoked. The members’ statuses have been downgraded to G2, which allows for participation in UN-related activities but does not imply recognition of their government by the host country.

Lebanon’s An-Nahar news outlet reported that a source close to the US State Department declined to comment, citing a lack of authorization to speak with the media. However, An-Nahar obtained a copy of a letter from the Syrian delegation to the foreign ministry in Daramsuq (Damascus), confirming receipt of the US memorandum, which was transmitted through official channels.

The correspondence outlined procedural changes regarding the delegation’s legal status and the revised visa eligibility of its members. It noted that future visa issuance under the new classification would be handled by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services agency.

Analysts view the US action as a further deterioration of diplomatic relations between Washington and Daramsuq, reflecting growing concern over governance and human rights issues in Syria. The full implications of this reclassification for Syria’s representation at the United Nations remain uncertain, with international observers closely watching how the situation unfolds.