Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa attended an Arab League summit in Cairo, marking his first appearance since ousting Bashar al-Assad. During the summit, he met with key officials, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas. Sharaa condemned a controversial U.S. proposal regarding Gaza, emphasizing Palestinian rights amidst Syria’s reintegration into regional politics.
On Tuesday, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa attended an extraordinary Arab League summit in Cairo, focusing on the current developments concerning the Palestinian issue. This marked Sharaa’s first attendance since he rose to power following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad nearly three months prior. State news agency SANA reported on his presence at the summit, aimed at addressing vital regional matters.
During the summit, Sharaa engaged with several key figures, including United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, and European Union Chief Antonio Costa. The Syrian presidency shared photographs documenting these meetings, highlighting Sharaa’s efforts to foster international relations amidst Syria’s complex political landscape.
Sharaa leads the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is associated with Al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate and played a significant role in the rapid uprising that resulted in Assad’s removal. He was appointed interim president in early January following this upheaval, overseeing a transitional phase for the country.
Syria had been suspended from the Arab League due to Assad’s violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests that initiated in 2011, leading to a prolonged civil war. In a remarkable shift, Damascus regained its position within the Arab League in 2023 after enduring extensive regional isolation.
A UN Security Council committee granted Sharaa a travel ban exemption, facilitating his visit to Egypt for the summit despite his designation on a sanctions list. The gathering responded to widespread criticism of a proposal from former President Donald Trump, suggesting the U.S. assume control over Gaza and transform it into a resort, relocating its Palestinian residents.
Sharaa condemned Trump’s plan, labeling it “a very huge crime that cannot happen,” emphasizing the need for respect towards Palestinian rights and sovereignty. His statements reflect the voiced concerns of many Arab leaders regarding external interventions in the Palestinian issue.
The participation of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Arab League summit signifies a pivotal moment for Syria, marking its reintegration into the Arab fold after years of isolation. His condemnation of external proposals regarding Gaza underscores the importance of regional unity and the sovereignty of Palestinian territories. As Syria navigates its transitional phase, Sharaa’s international engagements may help reformulate its regional role and foster collaborations vital for peace and stability.
Original Source: www.france24.com
