Al-Sharaa: Golan is Occupied Syrian Land... No Party Has the Right to Surrender It

New York – Agencies: Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa affirmed during a dialogue session at the Atlantic Council in New York that his country has chosen a diplomatic path and resorted to dialogue, despite “Israel’s occupation of part of our territory.” Al-Sharaa stressed that his government is working toward a lasting peace between Syria and Israel, noting that Damascus has turned to dialogue with the assistance of friendly countries.

Regarding foreign military bases in Syria, President al-Sharaa stated that Syria’s orientation is to clear the country of foreign bases, preserve national unity, and cooperate with all nations to enable the Syrian state to maintain its territorial integrity and independence. He asserted that the Golan Heights is “Syrian land” in accordance with United Nations resolutions, and that no party has the right to relinquish or cede it. He added that any future arrangements should also address Israeli security concerns through negotiation mechanisms.

Al-Sharaa revealed details of a previous dialogue with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, in which he joked about Trump’s stance on the occupied Syrian Golan, suggesting that Trump give the Israelis New Jersey, a U.S. state. During his participation in a dialogue with the Atlantic Council, al-Sharaa recounted telling Trump regarding the latter’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan: “Why are you giving them the Golan? You don’t even own it to give it to Israel. If you are keen on giving them some land, I think New Jersey is a democratic state; it would be better to give them New Jersey than the Golan.”

In response to a question about the October 7 attacks, al-Sharaa said that what happened should not dictate Israel’s policy toward Syria, calling for a change in Israel’s approach toward Damascus. He pointed out that, in his view, the continuation of military operations does not lead to achieving security.