Guterres from Damascus: The international community bears a historic responsibility to support Syria and lift sanctions on it.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday issued a renewed call to the international community to strengthen its support for Syria, stressing that the coming phase requires broad political and economic backing to help the country restore stability and open a path toward recovery.

During his visit to Syria, Guterres said the Syrian people are "in urgent need of support," calling for the lifting of sanctions imposed on the country and for efforts to create the conditions necessary for reconstruction and the promotion of development.

The UN chief stressed the international organization's readiness to contribute to supporting reconciliation and accountability processes, underscoring the importance of creating suitable conditions for the safe and dignified return of refugees and displaced persons to their areas.

In the same context, Guterres emphasized the need for continued international cooperation to help Syria through the transitional phase, noting that achieving stability requires a collective commitment to building a better future for all Syrians.

Guterres also condemned Israel's violations of the disengagement agreement, calling for respect for existing agreements and adherence to the principles of international law.

The UN Secretary-General described his visit to Damascus as "important and highly fruitful," affirming the United Nations' commitment to accompanying Syria through the next phase and strengthening political and economic support for it, in a visit that comes more than 13 years after the outbreak of the Syrian war.