Syrian leader to attend UN General Assembly for first time since 1967
Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa has arrived in New York along with a senior delegation to attend meetings of the UN General Assembly.
It marks the first attendance of a Syrian head of state in nearly 60 years.
Sharaa, a former al-Qaida leader, is expected to deliver his first address at the General Assembly on Tuesday. He is accompanied by several ministers.
The visit underscores the sweeping changes in Syria’s political landscape in less than a year. In December 2024, Syrian dictator Bashar Assad was ousted by rebel forces led by al-Sharaa, which brought an end to nearly 14 years of civil war.
Since then, al-Sharaa has sought to restore Syria’s international ties.
Along with his appearance at the General Assembly, al-Sharaa is likely to use his visit to push for further sanctions relief for Syria.
Syria seeks sanctions relief
The Middle Eastern nation is attempting to rebuild its economy and infrastructure after 14 years of civil war.
After meeting al-Sharaa, US President Donald Trump in Jne temporarily waived some sanctions imposed on Syria under the Assads’ rule.
While many US sanctions were subsequently waived, Congress must vote to permanently remove them.
Shortly afterwards, the US also revoked the designation of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a foreign terrorist organization. The Syrian transitional government has largely emerged from this group.
Two-state solution ‘only path to just, lasting peace’ — Portugal FM
Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said on Sunday the two-state solution remains the only viable way to resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
His remarks come after Portugal became the latest Western nation to formally recognize the state of Palestine, after similar announcements by the UK, Canada and Australia earlier on Sunday.
“Portugal advocates the two-state solution as the only path to a just and lasting peace… a ceasefire is urgent,” adding Hamas “cannot have any form of control in Gaza or outside it.”
Rangle also said that recognizing the state of Palestine “does not erase the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.”
He condemned the “expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank” while saying “the recognition of the state of Palestine is the realization of a fundamental, constant, and fundamental line of Portuguese foreign policy.”
He also called on Hamas to release all hostages.
Rangel made the comments at the headquarters of Portugal’s permanent mission to the United Nations in New York.
Israel becoming ‘pariah state’, expert tells DW
DW spoke to Middle East expert Fawaz Gerges after the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia announced their recognition of Palestinian statehood.
“Some of the closest allies of the United States and Israel are saying to Israel, ‘enough is enough.’ So that pressure is really multiplying on Israel,” said Gerges, adding that Israel is becoming “more of a pariah state.”
On Israel’s far-right ministers calling for a quick annexation of the occupied West Bank following the recognition, London-based Gerges said the move would “lead to Israel being isolated further.”
“What Israel has been trying to do since 1993, the Oslo Accords — the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians – Israel has been really building more and more settlements,” Gerges told DW.
Portugal recognizes Palestinian state
Portugal has followed the UK, Canada and Australia in recognizing the state of Palestine.
Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel also said his country advocates a two-state solution as the only way to ensure lasting peace.
Source : https://www.dw.com/en/uk-canada-and-australia-recognize-palestinian-state/live-74075302