In his address to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Syrian Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Bassam Sabbagh emphasized the importance of establishing a multipolar world order that promotes sustainable development and balance in international relations. He called for reforming institutions like the Security Council to achieve these goals.
Sabbagh criticized what he termed as “creative chaos” policies pursued by successive American administrations in the region, which he believed served their geopolitical and selfish interests. These policies have led to destabilization, insecurity, and the destruction of decades of development achievements. He also highlighted the emergence of extremism and terrorism as a result of these policies.
According to the Vice Minister, the United States has spent billions of dollars contributing to the demolition and destruction caused by this “American chaos.” He argued that the UN Charter and other international instruments have not been spared from its impact. He expressed concern about the misinterpretation and misapplication of provisions in the Charter, manipulation of international agreements, treaties, and politicization of human rights.
Addressing the issue of the Syrian Golan, Sabbagh emphasized the importance of sovereign integrity for all states, condemning Israel’s violations in the occupied Golan. He stated that any acquisition of territory by force is considered an occupation and a clear violation of the UN Charter and international law. He criticized Israel’s attempts to change the demographic composition and institutional structure of the occupied Golan, as well as its exploitation of natural resources and seizure of Syrian farmers’ lands. The Vice Minister called on the international community to end these violations immediately and unconditionally.
Furthermore, Sabbagh discussed the Syrian Government’s ongoing efforts to deal with the devastating earthquake that struck the country in February. The earthquake added to the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing war since 2011, destroying numerous buildings, infrastructure, and service facilities, causing significant casualties and displacing tens of thousands of people. The Syrian government has been facilitating the arrival of humanitarian aid and relief workers to the affected areas and expressed appreciation for the UN’s urgent humanitarian appeal to address the earthquake’s repercussions.
In conclusion, the Vice Minister raised concerns about the silence of certain countries that claim to protect international law and human rights in the face of Israeli violations. He reiterated Syria’s legitimate right to reclaim the entire occupied Syrian Golan up to the line of June 4, 1967.
