Syria seeks security deal with Israel without yielding Golan Heights, president says
Story Timeline
3 days · 3 summary articles
UN chief Guterres visits Syria, urges sanctions lift and political transition in first trip since 2009
Syria seeks security deal with Israel without yielding Golan Heights, president says
UN chief Guterres makes first Syria visit in 17 years to meet rebel-turned-president al-Sharaa
Continuation
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said on Sunday that Syria is seeking to reach a security agreement with Israel, which could pave the way for comprehensive peace between the two countries without relinquishing Syria's right to the Golan Heights. The statement came during an interview with Al Jazeera.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited Syria on Sunday, marking the first visit by a UN chief to the country since 2009. During his visit, Guterres called for the lifting of all sanctions against Syria and condemned Israeli violations of Syria's sovereignty, stating that they are "unacceptable and must stop."
Guterres also visited the notorious Sednaya Prison in Syria, calling it a stark symbol of brutality under the ousted Assad regime. He said Syria is facing a "moment of opportunity" to build a more stable and prosperous future.
The Syrian president's statement about the security agreement with Israel comes amid ongoing tensions in the region. Israel had launched a military incursion into Syria, which was condemned by the UN. The incursion followed the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by rebels led by al-Sharaa in December 2024.
Al-Sharaa also praised the Trump administration's decision to remove Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. He thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Saudi Arabia for their roles in mediating with the US to lift sanctions on Syria.
In addition, al-Sharaa ruled out military intervention in Lebanon, saying Syria is offering political solutions to help strengthen state institutions in Lebanon. He also mentioned that Syria is working with several other countries to encourage Israel to adopt a more balanced policy.
Guterres' visit to Syria coincided with his involvement in discussions about the Cyprus problem. He is scheduled to visit Cyprus from Monday to Wednesday, marking his first visit to the island as UN Secretary-General. The visit is seen as crucial for the future course of the Cyprus problem.
During his visit to Cyprus, Guterres is expected to meet with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman. The UN chief's special envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, met with Christodoulides on Monday morning to discuss the latest developments.
The Syrian foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, said that Guterres' visit to Damascus marks Syria's transition to an active partner role in the United Nations. The visit focused on recovery and regional stability.
In a separate development, Israeli forces launched a military incursion into Syria on Sunday, destroying a transformer and targeting areas in Syria, according to the Syrian state news agency SANA. The incursion was condemned by the UN, with Guterres stating that violations of Syria's sovereignty are unacceptable.
Al-Sharaa's statements and Guterres' visit come at a time when Syria is trying to rebuild its international relations and economy after years of conflict. The Syrian president has been working to restore Syria's standing in the international community and rebuild the country's economy.
The security agreement with Israel is seen as a potential step towards comprehensive peace in the region. However, the details of the agreement and the timeline for its implementation have not been specified.
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