Syrian President al-Shara speaks at the UN: Golan will remain Syrian territory

Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara delivered a message regarding the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights during his speech at the 81st United Nations (UN) General Assembly. Al-Shara stated, "The Golan will continue to remain Syrian territory."

Taking the UN podium for the second time, al-Shara addressed recent developments in Syria, the reconstruction process, and regional security issues in his speech. Stating that they have been rapidly rebuilding the country's institutions and security architecture following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, al-Shara said, "We have dismantled 90 international drug and human trafficking networks. Our capital has become the center for nearly 60 diplomatic missions."

Touching upon economic recovery and the production process, al-Shara noted that production has restarted in more than 3 thousand new production lines in Syria. Speaking of the goal to achieve self-sufficiency in agricultural production, al-Shara said they aim to implement real estate projects for approximately 2 million housing units within the next 5 years.

Announcing the launch of the "Syria Without Camps" initiative regarding the return of refugees, al-Shara stated that more than 3.5 million refugees and displaced persons have returned in a "dignified and voluntary" manner. Al-Shara also noted that a justice process has been initiated for the transition period, hundreds of schools have been repaired, and universities have been reopened.

Condemning Israel's violations against Syrian territory, al-Shara said, "The Golan is Syrian territory, and all annexation attempts are null and void in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 497. We condemn Israel's nearly 500 air and artillery attacks and more than 1 thousand 200 ground infiltration attempts. We remain committed to the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement of Forces."

Al-Shara concluded his speech by saying, "Last year we were here to announce our return, and today we are here to prove the reality of progress and development. Syria is a global actor that leads in stability, generates prosperity, and opens its doors to the future."