Full Breakdown
Syrian President Rejects Peace Talks While Israeli Actions Continue
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Core Statement at the UN General Assembly
During a side event hosted by the Atlantic Council on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said that Syria could not consider diplomatic relations with Israel while Israeli air strikes persisted and the Golan Heights remained occupied.
Context of the Syrian-Israeli Standoff
Sharaa linked ongoing Israeli incursions to the U.S. decision in 2018 to recognize the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, a move the United Nations still classifies as occupied Syrian land. He noted that Israel has continued “occupying new territories” since the recent advance that forced former President Bashar al-Assad to flee. The president also referenced Israel’s broader pattern of “attacks and aggressions against Syria” since the fall of the former regime.
Positions on Foreign Military Presence and Regional Security
Sharaa described the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria as “very smooth” and argued that the vacuum did not destabilize the region. He advocated for “emptying Syria from foreign bases,” stating that Russia’s 170 bases have been reduced to two, which will be used to train the Syrian military. He also suggested that U.S. troops could return in larger numbers to assist in building a national army, while warning that simultaneous disarmament of militias could cause incidents.
Regarding Lebanon, Sharaa said Syria could “empower the Lebanese government” to improve institutions and curb weapons outside state control. He linked these efforts to broader political reform and the upcoming transition period, during which a new constitution is to be drafted and a presidential election scheduled for three years from now.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Since the fall of the former regime, Israel is repeating its attacks and aggressions against Syria,” — Sharaa, syrian president
- “There is no discussion about those territories and to whom they belong,” — Sharaa, syrian president
Outlook and Upcoming UNGA Address
Sharaa is slated to address the United Nations General Assembly later this week, marking his second appearance at the podium in 60 years. He indicated that the People’s Assembly will appoint committees to review existing laws and draft a new constitution, aiming to complete the process within the five-year transition period.
