Poland to look for ways to end conflict in Syria: FM

“We want to look for ways of ending this conflict, of holding those who use chemical weapons to account, and of making sure that Syria’s civilian population is protected,” Jacek Czaputowicz said, as quoted by the Polish foreign ministry.

He was speaking after a meeting with foreign diplomats in Warsaw on Thursday during which he outlined Poland’s priorities for its presidency of the United Nations Security Council in May.

“Our priorities include strengthening the role of international law, promoting the effective resolution of conflicts, ensuring the protection of civilians, and emphasising the importance of humanitarian law,” the Polish foreign ministry quoted Czaputowicz as saying.

The high point of the Polish presidency will be an open high-level debate entitled “The Role of the UNSC in Upholding International Law Within the Context of Maintenance of International Peace and Security,” according to the Polish foreign ministry.

Scheduled for May 17, the debate will be chaired by Polish President Andrzej Duda, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres among expected participants, the Polish foreign ministry said.

On May 22, Poland will organise another high-level meeting to focus on protecting the civilian population and respect for international humanitarian law, the Polish foreign ministry said.

Speaking during a high-level meeting at the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Czaputowicz stressed the role of preventive diplomacy, or efforts to prevent disputes from escalating into conflicts, in sustaining peace in the world.

Poland became a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for a two-year term on January 1.

Poland's government on Wednesday pledged to donate a further PLN 48 million (EUR 11.4 million) in humanitarian aid to citizens in Syria.

(gs/pk)

Source: msz.gov.pl