Statement of New Zealand, September 2016

The internal politics within the Council and the sheer complexity of the Syria crisis have obstructed a unified Council response.

But we believe that no matter how difficult and sensitive the issues, the Council cannot watch the situation go from bad to worse for the Syrian people.

The Security Council was established to address crises like that which we see in Syria.

That is why New Zealand is using our Presidency of the Council to convene a leaders' level meeting tomorrow on Syria.

A meeting by itself won't stop the conflict. But after more than five years of brutal fighting, and horrific humanitarian suffering, we do not think it is credible for Leaders to come to New York and not address the stark realities driving the conflict.

We hope tomorrow's meeting will provide an opportunity for Council Leaders to take stock of developments, examine the fundamental issues at the heart of the Conflict, and discuss how we can move towards a sustainable political solution,

We also hope the meeting will be a chance for the Council to put its weight behind the ceasefire agreement reached between the United States and Russia.

That agreement is the best chance we have had in some time to stop the fighting, get aid to those who need it, and get back on track for a political resolution to the crisis.