Syrian President Ahmad Jarrah revealed a lighthearted conversation with US President Donald Trump during a previous visit to the White House, where he jokingly suggested that Trump give Israel New Jersey instead of the Syrian Golan Heights. Jarrah stated this during a panel discussion organized by the Atlantic Council in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. He emphasized his refusal to consider the Golan Heights as land that can be ceded.
Jarrah explained that his suggestion of New Jersey was made in jest, noting that the state has a Democratic majority and does not vote for Trump. He then stressed that the Golan Heights "has its people" and that no Syrian or American president, or any other party, has the right to cede it. The Golan Heights has been a point of contention, with Israel's annexation of the territory not recognized internationally.
Trump signed a presidential declaration in March 2019, recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, marking a shift from previous US policy. The Syrian president expressed respect for Trump, praising his "historic" decision to lift sanctions on Syria. Jarrah also mentioned a "very special" relationship between them, as the Golan Heights issue continues to resurface.
The Syrian government has consistently rejected Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights. UN Security Council Resolution 497, adopted in 1981, declared Israel's annexation of the territory "null and void" and without international legal effect. Jarrah emphasized Syria's pursuit of a lasting peace with Israel, provided that Syrian rights are guaranteed and Israeli occupation of Syrian lands ends.
Jarrah discussed Syria's diplomatic efforts to address repeated Israeli aggression and occupation of Syrian territories. He stated that Syria has engaged in multiple rounds of talks with Israel, facilitated by friendly countries, to reach an agreement. Although negotiations progressed significantly, Israel withdrew from the talks. Syria demands the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories and their return to the 1974 disengagement lines.
Jarrah highlighted that Israel's security is linked to respecting the security of others. He warned that basing Israeli policies towards Syria on the Gaza situation would be "misguided" and emphasized the need to address the Syrian situation according to its unique circumstances. Jarrah also expressed concern about Lebanon's stability, which directly affects Syria, and stated that Damascus seeks to support the Lebanese government in strengthening state institutions.
The conversation between Jarrah and Trump reflects the ongoing complexities in Syrian-US relations and the status of the Golan Heights. Jarrah's comments underscore Syria's firm stance on the territory and its pursuit of a comprehensive peace with Israel. The situation remains a critical point of discussion in international diplomacy, with implications for regional stability.
Key points
- Jarrah proposed giving Israel New Jersey instead of the Golan Heights during a conversation with Trump.
- The Syrian government rejects Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, citing international law and UN resolutions.
- Jarrah emphasized Syria's pursuit of a lasting peace with Israel, provided that Syrian rights and territories are respected.
