Syria’s President Calls for Israeli Withdrawal at Arab League Summit

At the Arab League summit, Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara urged global action against Israeli troops in southern Syria, highlighting violations of sovereignty and regional security concerns. He emphasized unity among Arabs regarding Palestinian rights, while UN envoy Geir Pedersen reinforced calls for Israel to respect international agreements, warning of the dangers posed by military actions.

During an emergency Arab League summit in Cairo, Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara urged the international community to exert pressure on Israel for the immediate withdrawal of its troops from southern Syria. Mr. Al Shara emphasized Syria’s rights and the need for international moral and legal obligations in this regard.

This summit marked Mr. Al Shara’s debut, following the recent overthrow of former president Bashar Al Assad by rebel forces. Israel’s military presence in southern Syria commenced soon after the regime’s downfall and has included numerous air strikes targeting alleged weapons storage facilities of the deposed government.

Mr. Al Shara condemned Israel’s actions as a violation of Syrian sovereignty and a threat to regional peace. He reiterated concern regarding Israel’s ongoing transgressions since its occupation of the Golan Heights in 1967, reaffirming commitment to the 1974 disengagement agreement, which Israel has reportedly ignored.

In addressing the Gaza conflict, Mr. Al Shara remarked on the unacceptable attempts to redraw borders at the cost of Palestinian lives. He called for unity among Arab nations to oppose such efforts, reiterating Syria’s integral position within the Arab League as pivotal for enhancing regional solidarity.

United Nations envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, echoed Mr. Al Shara’s concerns, denouncing Israel’s violations of the 1974 agreement. He cautioned that such military actions exacerbate regional instability, undermine ceasefire integrity, and hinder progress towards a peaceful resolution to the Syrian conflict.

Pedersen pressed Israel to adhere to its international duties and cease actions that threaten to escalate the ongoing conflict, urging all involved parties to respect Syrian sovereignty, thereby fostering a more stable and peaceful environment.

Reports cite Israeli military actions targeting munitions associated with the former Assad regime, with the Israeli army notably confirming its strikes on such sites.

In summary, President Ahmad Al Shara has called for international intervention to ensure Israel’s withdrawal from southern Syria, reinforcing the need for adherence to the 1974 disengagement agreement and promoting regional unity concerning the Palestinian crisis. These developments underscore significant concerns regarding regional stability and the importance of upholding international norms and obligations.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com