Israel is violating 1974 agreement and invading Syrian territory, says Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani has pointed out that Israel is “violating” the 1974 disengagement agreement by “invading Syrian territory and posing a threat to Syrian sovereignty and the safety of its people.” Al-Shaibani made his comment yesterday at the 9th annual donors’ conference held in Brussels, when he also noted that the conference included “real Syrian representation” for the first time.

He added that Syria’s interim government is demanding that the sanctions imposed on it be lifted and called for support for its reconstruction. “Continuing sanctions means that the Syrian people are being punished, and they must be lifted because they are preventing the country’s revival,” insisted the minister.

“The Syrians will not tolerate any intrusion on Syria’s sovereignty and unity,” explained Al-Shaibani, “and the government is working to promote reconciliation and national dialogue, and to protect the rights of all its citizens.” He stressed that the government’s steps toward Syria’s revival “must be consistent with the aspirations of the people, most of whom still live in camps.”

Moreover, he said that the return of the refugees to their country requires international efforts and a contribution towards revitalising the economy.

On Monday, the European Union pledged approximately €2.5 billion ($2.7bn) in aid to Syria as part of its efforts to rebuild the country after the ousting of President Bashar Al-Assad in early December. This was announced by European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen during the conference. “Syrians need greater support, whether they are still abroad, or they decide to go home,” she said.

READ: Over 880,000 Syrians have returned home voluntarily since 2017: Turkish vice president