UN General Assembly
2015

The horrific conflict in Syria has entered its fifth year. It has created a humanitarian catastrophe and destabilized the whole region. The international community must not abandon the people of Syria and must push for a political settlement. Those responsible for using internationally prohibited chemical weapons in Syria must be identified and held accountable. The conflict and fragility of Syria and Iraq have contributed to the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant/ Daesh and the violent extremism spreading globally. Concerted international action is vital to defeat this evil and is key to achieving lasting peace and stability in Syria, Iraq and the wider region. Latvia welcomes the recent nuclear agreement with Iran. The full and smooth implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan is now necessary. Only then can a change in the regional dynamics towards more engagement and cooperation, as well as greater stability in the Middle East region, become a reality.