New Syrian flag raised at UN in New York

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The new Syrian flag was raised on Friday at the United Nations headquarters in New York in the presence of Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and UN special envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen.

Shaibani described it as “a step that will strengthen Syria’s role at international organizations,” state-run SANA news agency reported.

The flag, green, white, and black stripes with three red stars, was used by the opposition during Syria’s revolution and was adopted by the rebel-led government that came into power after toppling the regime of Bashar al-Assad last December.

“The world now needs to listen to the demands of Syrians. We are open to the international community and look forward to treating us with reciprocity,” Shaibani said.

The United States earlier this month downgraded the visa status of the Syrian mission to the UN to foreign nationals representing a government that is not recognized by the US.

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, appointed in January, pledged to form an inclusive transitional government reflecting the country’s diversity. However, he has faced domestic and international criticism for marginalizing minority communities within his new cabinet and cementing executive authority in a transitional constitution.

Several Western countries, primarily Germany and France, have been actively engaged with the Syrian government, but have warned that the recent lifting of some sanctions imposed on Assad's regime is conditional on forming an inclusive government.

Pedersen, addressing the UN Security Council on Friday, praised the Syrian people for their resilience despite hardships, saying they have clearly shown that they want this “political transition to succeed.”

“There is a need for much more political inclusion, and for much more economic action,” he added.