Syrian President Affirms Golan Sovereignty, Calls Israeli Annexation Void

Syrian President Ahmad al-Shar'a asserted his country's unwavering sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday. He declared all Israeli annexation measures as "void" and rejected attempts by Israel to impose a fait accompli in Syria. Al-Shar'a called for Israel's withdrawal from Syrian territory and adherence to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.

Al-Shar'a stated that the Golan "will remain Syrian land, and all annexation decisions are void according to UN resolutions." He emphasized Damascus's commitment to its sovereignty and rejection of "Israel's permanent attempts to impose a fait accompli in Syria." He reiterated Syria's adherence to the 1974 agreement and urged Israel to withdraw from Syrian lands occupied by its forces.

He accused Israel of continuous aggression against Syria, citing approximately 500 air and artillery raids and over 1,200 incursions. Al-Shar'a reiterated Damascus's rejection of Israeli actions aimed at solidifying a new reality on Syrian territory.

Regarding domestic affairs, al-Shar'a announced Syria's "journey of recovery and resurgence," noting efforts to consolidate the army and unify the country from north to south. He also indicated that the "transitional justice process in Syria has begun." He stated that Syria is "building bridges of partnership from a solid sovereign ground," asserting that the nation's security is intertwined with that of the Middle East and that its people's victory was a global one.

On the economic front, al-Shar'a reported that "the clouds of sanctions have cleared with the cancellation of the Caesar Act and the removal of Syria's name from the list of state sponsors of terrorism." He noted the return of production to "more than 3,000 production lines." Damascus plans to continue its recovery and reconstruction efforts, strengthen foreign relations, and uphold Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly concerning the occupied Golan.