Syrian President Ahmad Shaar stated on Wednesday that the Golan Heights is Syrian land, recognized internationally by the United Nations, and not subject to discussion. He made these remarks while participating in the Atlantic Council in New York to discuss Syria's future. Shaar emphasized that there is no room for debate about the ownership of these lands.
According to President Shaar, since the fall of the previous regime, Israel has been carrying out repeated attacks on Syrian territory and has occupied part of it. He noted that Syria has opted for a diplomatic approach and has engaged in dialogue with the help of friendly countries. Shaar highlighted that Syria is working towards a lasting peace in the region with Israel, provided that Syrian rights are guaranteed.
President Shaar specified that any military presence on Syrian territory must have a legal description approved by the People's Assembly and a legal formula that preserves the rights of the Syrian state. He added that in the near future, Syria does not need foreign military bases. Shaar also mentioned that Syria has conducted several rounds of negotiations with Israel to reach an agreement.
Shaar revealed that during negotiations with Israel, they had reached approximately 90% of an agreement, but Israel ultimately withdrew. He stated that the dialogue was based on Israel's return to its 1974 borders, as they were before December 8. The Syrian president emphasized that if Israel wants to maintain its security, it must respect the security of others.
President Shaar pointed out that the problem does not lie with Syria but with Israeli policies. He stressed that a lasting peace between Syria and Israel can only be achieved if Syrian rights are guaranteed and its territories are not occupied. Shaar's statements reflect Syria's stance on the Golan Heights and its conditions for peace with Israel.
The Syrian president's remarks come as a significant development in the region, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Syria and Israel. The Golan Heights has been a point of contention between the two countries for decades. Shaar's emphasis on Syria's sovereignty over the Golan Heights and its conditions for peace with Israel is likely to have implications for future negotiations.
The Atlantic Council in New York provided a platform for President Shaar to express Syria's position on the Golan Heights and its relations with Israel. His statements are expected to contribute to the ongoing discussions about the region's future and the prospects for peace between Syria and Israel.
Key points
- The Syrian president's conditions for lasting peace with Israel include the guarantee of Syrian rights and the non-occupation of Syrian territories.
- President Shaar emphasized that the Golan Heights is Syrian territory recognized internationally and not subject to discussion.
- Syria has conducted several rounds of negotiations with Israel, but the talks have stalled due to Israel's withdrawal.
