A United Nations Security Council delegation made its first-ever visit to Syria on Thursday, pledging the international community's support for the country days before the anniversary of Bashar al-Assad's ousting.

"We reiterated our clear support for sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Syria," Slovenian UN ambassador Samuel Zbogar told a press conference in Damascus.

"Our united message was simple and clear: We recognise your country's aspirations and challenges, and the path to a better future of new Syria will be Syria-led and Syria owned," said the diplomat, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the UN body.

"The international community stands ready to support you whatever you believe that we can be helpful," he said, adding: "We want to help........

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