Syrian Foreign Minister Criticizes Israel's Violations, Lauds Arab Diplomatic Efforts

Strategic Insights -

Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani spoke at the 34th Arab League Summit in Baghdad, expressing concerns about Israel's violations of Syria's sovereignty and praising the efforts of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab countries to lift US sanctions on Damascus. Shaibani emphasized the importance of a unified Arab position in support of Syria's right to regain full sovereignty over its territory.

Key Takeaways:

  • Shaibani denounced Israel's threats and violations in southern Syria as a "blatant breach of international law and the basic principles of the UN Charter, and a threat to regional stability."
  • Syria reaffirmed its commitment to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement with Israel, which ensures minimal stability in the region.
  • The Syrian government is finalizing preparations for the launch of a national parliament that represents the full spectrum of Syrian society, and a permanent constitution that guarantees rights, protects sovereignty, and establishes a state of law.
  • Shaibani praised the effective mediation efforts of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab countries that led to the lifting of US sanctions on Syria, describing it as "an important step toward national recovery and reconstruction."
  • The Syrian government currently faces challenges, including remnants of ISIS (DAESH), which some external forces are attempting to exploit as a tool for political blackmail and security pressure.

Statistics:

  • 34th Arab League Summit held in Baghdad
  • 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Syria and Israel
  • 5-year transitional phase for Syria, as outlined in a constitutional declaration signed by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in March
  • US sanctions on Syria lifted by President Donald Trump's decision, announced on Tuesday during a Saudi-US Investment Forum 2025 in Riyadh
  • Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab countries provided effective mediation that led to the lifting of sanctions on Syria

Sources:

  • Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani's speech at the 34th Arab League Summit in Baghdad
  • Saudi-US Investment Forum 2025 in Riyadh
  • Constitutional declaration signed by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in March
  • 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Syria and Israel