The president of Syria, Ahmed al Shara, has launched harsh criticism against the Israeli authorities this Wednesday, which he has accused of "continuing to attack Syrian territory," while reaffirming Damascus' sovereignty over the Golan Heights, occupied by Israel since 1967, insisting that "they will remain Syrian."
In his speech before the 81st United Nations General Assembly, taking place in New York, Al Shara emphasized that "any attempt to violate Syria's sovereignty will be stopped" and recalled the relevance of UN Security Council resolution 497, which declares null the alleged Israeli annexation of this territory and without legal effects on the international level.
"The Golan Heights will remain Syrian territory," reiterated the head of state, who expressed his gratitude to those "who have complied with International Law and to all those who refrain from interpreting or reinterpreting said resolution, which is clear." "I ask our partners to adhere to International Law and to this resolution," he stressed.
In the same vein, he again held Israel responsible for maintaining its military operations in Syria: "there have been 500 airstrikes, more than 1,200 incursions, and 300 detentions." "We demand the withdrawal of Israeli forces. We reject the facts accomplished and the aggressions that undermine peace and security. Peace and security are within reach of those who wish to maintain them. They are a right of all," he pointed out.
Regarding the situation of the Golan Heights, the Syrian leader recalled the day before that, during a previous meeting at the White House with then-President of the United States, Donald Trump, he joked about the possibility of offering Israel the state of New Jersey.
"President Trump has stood by Syria, has supported us, and made the historic decision to lift the sanctions; I have a good relationship with him. Once I visited him at the White House and made a joke. When he said that the Golan Heights are Israeli, I said: why don't you give the Israelis New Jersey?" he related.
"You do not own the Golan Heights to give them away, but you do own New Jersey, and I think it is an area full of Democrats who do not vote for Trump, so it could be offered to the Israelis. At least it is something you possess, not like the Golan Heights," he said then, summarizing the meeting.
Thus, he emphasized that, "beyond the jokes, the area belongs to its own people." "It will not be the Syrian president, nor the American, nor any other, who abandons them and gives it to third parties," he added.
The development and position of Syria in the region
Al Shara has highlighted that Syria has managed in the last year "to consolidate its values and its rule of law" and has warned that "any planning for the development of the region that does not take the country into account would be a failed plan that would carry a high price."
"A year ago, from here, I represented my people for the first time in 60 years, recalling the victory of our people. Last year I told them that Syria had returned. Now I tell them that Syria is progressing, the destruction and bloodshed have ceased, we are on the path of reconstruction and recovery," he indicated.
The president detailed that "the country has united, we have controlled the weapons, the sanctions have been lifted, reconstruction projects have continued, we have launched the fight against drug trafficking... We have forged alliances, focusing mainly on the future and well-being of our people, counting on the free will of our people and our independence."
Likewise, he stated that Syria "has restored its status in the international community." "Before it was in transit in the world, we have built diplomatic bridges and have shown the world that the security of the region must start in Damascus. We believe that collective security is our duty," he maintained.
Al Shara has emphasized the need to implement the agreements already signed and to maintain the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime to ensure that Syria continues its development process. "We are no longer part of the list of state sponsors of terrorism," he assured.
Regarding the internal situation, he specified that around 3.5 million refugees and displaced persons have safely returned to the country and emphasized that the institutions "focus on the safe and dignified return of all of them." "We have moved from crisis to opportunity."
"Throughout history, many wars have been fought, and unfortunately our region has witnessed many of them. Sometimes the truth prevails and sometimes it does not. Not all peace is just, and war teaches us that injustice does not last forever," he concluded.