Al-Sharaa: The Golan will remain Syrian land, and its annexation measures are null and void
- We are committed to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, and the historic opportunity for peace remains available for a just peace that safeguards the rights of all.
- We have destroyed 42 chemical bombs and are working with the International Atomic Energy Agency with the highest degree of transparency.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa affirmed on Wednesday that the Golan will remain Syrian territory, declaring all annexation measures "null and void" under United Nations Security Council Resolution 497, and reiterating his country's rejection of Israeli encroachments and attempts to impose a fait accompli in the region.
In a speech before the high-level general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, al-Sharaa stated that Syria is committed to the 1974 Agreement on the Disengagement of Forces, noting that the "historic opportunity for peace is available for those who wish to live in a just peace that preserves the rights of all."
He emphasized that Syria is rising today in a tangible manner through the will of its people and the independence of its decision-making, and is beginning to regain its "place among nations and states" through the diplomatic bridges it has built.
He added that Syria has "united from north to south," confined weapons, and rebuilt its security institutions, while sanctions have been lifted and reconstruction, investment, transitional justice, and efforts to uncover the fate of the missing have been launched.
He pointed out that his country is waging an open war against transnational crime networks, including drug and human trafficking.
The Syrian President noted the return of more than 3.5 million displaced persons and refugees to the country as a "voluntary and dignified return," considering that Syria is transforming from a "crisis tossed around by states into an opportunity for good that brings states together."
Regarding the chemical weapons file, al-Sharaa said his country has destroyed 42 chemical bombs and fully restored its rights within the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
He added that Syria is working with the International Atomic Energy Agency "with the highest degree of transparency," based on its belief that collective security is a trust, and that the strict implementation of treaties serves as a safeguard for the world against threats.
He affirmed that his country is moving forward in rebuilding itself and restoring its dignity and honor, stating: "We came to you in the 80th session to announce our return, and today we stand in the 81st session to demonstrate the reality of progress and rise."
In conclusion, al-Sharaa expressed his hope that the next session will yield the "fruits of a strategic partnership" that establishes Syria as an international actor contributing to prosperity and as a regional model supporting stability.
