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'Golan Heights belongs to Syria': UN chief condemns Israel in Damascus visit

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated the Golan Heights are Syrian territory and condemned Israel's actions.
  • Guterres visited Damascus, marking the first UN chief visit since 2009, and emphasized partnership and solidarity with Syria.
  • He pledged UN support for Syria's post-war reconstruction and will address the Syrian parliament.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres declared the Golan Heights to be Syrian territory during his visit to Damascus, strongly condemning Israel's actions in the region. "I’d like to remind the international community that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory," Guterres stated on Saturday, adding that "Violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable and must cease."

I’d like to remind the international community that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory.

— UN Secretary-General António GuterresStating the UN's position on the Golan Heights during his visit to Damascus.

Guterres' remarks came during a press conference alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al‑Shaibani at the presidential palace. This visit is the first by a UN chief to Syria since 2009, predating the civil war that significantly altered the country. He spoke of a "future defined by peace, dignity, and opportunity by the Syrians themselves" concerning the Golan Heights and acknowledged the UN's absence from Syria since 2011, calling it a "conscious decision not to come to Syria since the beginning of the brutal repression of the Syrian people in 2011 until the fall of the regime.”

Violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable and must cease.

— UN Secretary-General António GuterresCondemning Israel's actions in the Golan Heights.

The UN chief urged the international community to play a more active role in mitigating Israel's involvement in Syria, pledging continued UN advocacy on the issue and calling for "partnership and solidarity." He also addressed the critical need for post-war reconstruction, promising UN support. "No country emerges from a very severe conflict and rebuilds itself on its own," Guterres said, clarifying that the UN's agenda aligns with that of the Syrian government and its people.

a future defined by peace, dignity, and opportunity by the Syrians themselves

— UN Secretary-General António GuterresDescribing the desired future for the Golan Heights.

Guterres is scheduled to continue discussions with Syrian officials, including President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and engage with women's groups, civil society representatives, and various community members. He is also expected to address the Syrian parliament on Monday before concluding his trip in Cyprus.

No country emerges from a very severe conflict and rebuilds itself on its own.

— UN Secretary-General António GuterresHighlighting the need for international support in Syria's reconstruction.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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