On Wednesday, Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shar'a addressed the UN General Assembly, emphasizing that the Golan Heights will remain Syrian territory. He stated that any attempts to impose a new reality would not affect the legitimacy of the Syrian state and its sovereignty. Al-Shar'a stressed that all annexation procedures are null and void under UN Security Council Resolution 497, adopted in 1981.
The resolution considered Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights null and void. Al-Shar'a condemned Israel's actions, citing nearly 500 airstrikes and artillery attacks, over 1,200 incursions, and almost 300 arrests and detentions of Syrians. These actions, he argued, threaten Syria's stability and contradict the international community's stance. He reiterated Syria's commitment to the 1974 agreement and called for Israeli forces to withdraw to the lines established on December 8, 2024.
Al-Shar'a reaffirmed Syria's national constants, stating that they are strengthened by the rule of law and the will of the people. He emphasized that no attempts to impose a new reality can undermine Syria's state legitimacy and sovereignty. The Syrian president highlighted that the Golan Heights will remain Syrian, and all annexation procedures are null and void under UN Security Council Resolution 497.
Reflecting on his previous address to the UN General Assembly a year ago, Al-Shar'a noted that Syria has made significant progress. He mentioned that nearly 100 countries have reestablished communication with Syria through around 4,000 interactions, meetings, and contacts. Damascus is now home to approximately 60 diplomatic missions, and delegations are visiting Syria to revive its international standing.
Al-Shar'a reported that Syria has experienced a significant shift in its diplomatic isolation. The cancellation of the Caesar Act and the gradual lifting of European and British sanctions have contributed to this change. The reinstatement of the cooperation agreement with the European Union marked the end of 47 years of isolation. As a result, over three and a half million internally displaced persons and refugees have returned to Syria voluntarily.
On the chemical and nuclear file, Al-Shar'a mentioned that Syria has made progress. The country launched the "Breath of Freedom" team with seven nations to address its chemical legacy. Syria destroyed 42 chemical bombs and regained its full rights within the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Al-Shar'a emphasized that Syria cooperates with the International Atomic Energy Agency with utmost transparency.
Al-Shar'a also discussed Syria's efforts to combat crime and narcotics. He stated that Syrian authorities have foiled international crime networks, seizing around 700 million Captagon pills in over 1,500 operations. The Syrian government has dismantled 90 international networks and fought against human trafficking and crime.
Key points
- The Syrian president's address to the UN General Assembly reiterated the country's stance on the Golan Heights.
- Al-Shar'a reported significant diplomatic progress, including the lifting of sanctions and the return of internally displaced persons and refugees.
- Syria has made efforts to address its chemical legacy and combat international crime networks.
