Remarks by
H.E. Cho Tae-yul, Vice Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea
At the Geneva II Conference
January 22, 2014
                                   

Thank you, Mr. Secretary-General,
Distinguished Ministers and colleagues,

Like the previous speakers, I would like to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation for the dedication and hard work undertaken by you, Mr. Secretary-General, Joint Special Representative Brahimi, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and, of course, the Government of Switzerland to make this historic conference a reality.

Today’s meeting takes place at a critical juncture, indeed. Three years into the crisis, we are bearing witness to one of the most devastating armed conflicts in today’s world. Holding this conference today to seek a political resolution of conflict in Syria is by itself a remarkable achievement. The Syrian Government and the opposition have come together today for the first time since the outbreak of the civil war to engage in substantive discussions on ending the conflict and creating a new Syria based upon all Syrian people’s aspirations.

The number of participants in this conference also increased compared with the first Geneva Conference. This illustrates that the Syrian crisis poses a challenge not only to the Middle East, but to the broader international community. We must support a Syrian-led political process to build a democratic and pluralistic Syria.

Mr. Secretary-General,

It is in this very meeting and the following negotiations in Geneva on which the hope of the entire world rests. Gathered, as we are, here today, each of us has already explicitly expressed commitment to the basis of this meeting, which is to implement the Geneva Communiqué of 2012. The Communiqué calls for the establishment of a Transitional Governing Body with full executive powers based on mutual consent. Indeed, the raison d'être of this conference is to “deliver to the people of Syria” a “credible” transition. Therefore, it is crucial, above all else, that both sides of the conflict reaffirm their commitment to the full implementation of the Geneva Communiqué and do not digress from it.

We share with many in this hall deep concerns about the armed activities of Al Qaeda-affiliated groups and extremists of all stripes. We would like to emphasize, however, that the current rampage of extremism in and around Syria is the result, rather than the cause, of the prolonged crisis in Syria. If we are truly serious about countering terrorism in the region, the most urgent task is to politically resolve the Syrian conflict.

The Republic of Korea fully shares the vision of the Geneva Communiqué that the Syrian-led transition must be realized through an inclusive National Dialogue process, a possible review of the constitutional order, and free and fair multi-party elections. This process should then lead to the birth of a new Syria which complies with international standards on human rights, rule of law, and equal opportunities for all. Women’s active participation and the protection of minorities throughout the process are also crucial.

Let us recall that in the absence of cooperation, restraint, and concessions in the mid-1970s, Syria’s neighbor, Lebanon, fell deeper into the abyss of a civil and regional conflict that continued for fifteen dark years before the Taif Agreement was reached. Our collective actions here this week must ensure that Syria does not suffer a similar fate on a larger scale. The lives of an entire generation of Syrians and perhaps even the modern borders of the Middle East depend on preventing further deterioration of the situation.

Of course, we are under no illusion that a few days’ discussions can end all hostilities and bring about a new, united leadership. While the forthcoming negotiations should not be open-ended, what we launch today must be the start of a continuing process. All of us must exercise a tour de force of striking a right balance between a sense of urgency and patience.

With this in mind, my delegation believes that the following measures should be taken at the initial stage.

First, the Syrian Government must end indiscriminate attacks in densely populated areas that violate international humanitarian law. All parties should immediately end all forms of violence through a ceasefire. Those who are arbitrarily detained should also be released. Such measures will contribute to building mutual confidence and creating an environment conducive to a final political settlement. In this regard, we take note of the reported comments by the Syrian Government on the possibility of a ceasefire in Aleppo and an exchange of prisoners.

Second, full and unhindered humanitarian access must be immediately ensured across the country. We know that more than 100,000 people are dead, but verifying the number of casualties is no longer possible due to the lack of access on the ground. Half of the entire Syrian population is in need of emergency humanitarian aid. The on-going siege tactics is an unacceptable collective punishment against innocent civilians including women and children. This is not just a Syrian tragedy, but an indelible stain to the conscience of the humanity.

Third, all parties should cooperate to facilitate the safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes. The Republic of Korea commends the neighboring countries for accommodating a growing number of Syrian refugees. We would also like to thank Kuwait for hosting the donor conference last week, and commend Secretary-General Ban for his leadership in rallying the necessary financial support.

Fourth, the chemical weapons in Syria should be completely eliminated on schedule, as set out in UN Security Council Resolution 2118. To this end, the international community should work closely together, despite the great difficulties prevailing on the ground.

Finally, those who are responsible for the violation of human rights and international humanitarian law during the crisis must be held accountable. The promotion of transitional justice will be the foundation for national reconciliation in Syria.

Mr. Secretary-General,

Having experienced the tragedy and agony of the devastating Korean War, the Republic of Korea is well placed to share empathy with Syria’s current difficulties and suffering. Therefore, we are ready to actively participate in the international efforts to secure peace and stability in Syria.

The Republic of Korea has in fact been providing humanitarian assistance for Syrian people, while remaining committed to contributing to global efforts to eliminate chemical weapons in the country. We also hosted the third Meeting of Working Group of the Friends of the Syrian People on the Economic Recovery and Development of Syria last December to discuss ways to cooperate in the efforts to reconstruct Syria.

I sincerely hope that today’s conference will be the first significant step towards achieving a democratic, peaceful and prosperous Syria.  Our joint efforts will bring us closer to the day when guns and swords will be replaced by shovels and hoes, and hostility and hatred by a sense of hope and vision in Syria. Thank you.