Syria's Top Diplomat Demands US Coalition Departure Amid Compensation Claims

Strategic Insights -

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad addressed the United Nations General Assembly, calling for the departure of a US-led military coalition from his country, citing violations of international law and sovereignty. Mekdad argued that battling terrorism requires coordination with the Syrian government and that the coalition's presence has resulted in significant losses to the country's oil and gas industry. He claimed that direct and indirect losses have reached $107 billion, stating that Damascus will demand compensation. The Syrian government, under pressure from Western powers, has been subject to sanctions, with Mekdad labeling the economic situation as a "besiegement" aimed at maintaining control over the world.

Key Takeaways:

  • Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad called for the withdrawal of a US-led military coalition from his country, citing violations of international law and sovereignty.
  • Mekdad stated that battling terrorism requires coordination with the Syrian government, implying that President Bashar Assad's administration is essential to combating extremism.
  • The Syrian government estimates direct and indirect losses to the oil and gas industry to be $107 billion since the conflict began.
  • Mekdad announced that Damascus will demand compensation for these losses, referring to US-SDF control of oil fields in eastern Syria.
  • Russian gas explorations in Syria's Mediterranean region, announced in 2020, were not mentioned.
  • The Syrian government has been subject to sanctions imposed by the US, other countries, and the European Union, led by powers with economic interests in the region.
  • Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly urged the need for a stronger UN in a "fragmented world," contrasting with the Syrian stance on international intervention.

Statistics:

  • The Syrian civil war has been ongoing for 11 years.
  • Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed, and half the prewar population has been displaced.
  • $107 billion: Direct and indirect losses in Syria's oil and gas sector since the conflict began.
  • Hundreds of US troops are stationed in eastern Syria to help the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces fight the Islamic State militant group.
  • 2011: The year anti-government protests demanding democratic reforms began.
  • 2019: The year the Islamic State group lost the last piece of land it controlled.

Sources:

  • Via AP news wire Syria's top diplomat demanded Monday that a U.S.-led military coalition to get out of his country and told the U.N. General Assembly meeting of world leaders.
  • ___ Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue contributed from Beirut.