UN chief in Syria calls for end to territorial integrity violations

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres made his first visit to Damascus since 2009, urging Israel to cease violating Syria's territorial integrity and international laws. During a press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Fayssal Mekdad, Guterres stated, "The violation of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unacceptable and must stop." He specifically addressed the situation in the Golan Heights buffer zone, calling it "completely unacceptable" and reminding the international community that it is Syrian territory. Mekdad, in turn, called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the buffer zone, which was occupied in 2024 following the ousting of long-time Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Guterres, who is the first UN Secretary-General to visit Syria since 2009, offered UN support for the country's "crucial" political transition. This includes assistance with transitional justice, drafting a permanent constitution, and holding free and fair elections. The visit comes after a devastating civil war that destroyed the country's infrastructure and displaced millions. According to UN data, approximately 1.7 million refugees have returned since Assad's overthrow, but about 5.5 million remain internally displaced, and six million are still abroad. Humanitarian aid is estimated to be needed by 15.6 million people.

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The violation of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unacceptable and must stop. What is happening in the Golan Heights buffer zone is completely unacceptable and I would like to remind the international community that this is Syrian territory.