Al-Shibani’s speech at the Arab Summit in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, MAY.17, (ST)-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates As’ad al-Shibani, said in Syria’s speech at the Arab Summit in Baghdad that lifting sanctions is not the end of the road, but rather the beginning of a path we hope will be paved with genuine cooperation and the integration of Arab efforts to achieve development, safeguard Arab national security, and enhance stability in our region.

“We all followed positively US President Donald Trump’s announcement to lift the sanctions imposed on our country. We see this decision as an important step towards national recovery and reconstruction, and it reflects a sincere Arab diplomatic effort that has yielded tangible results,” the minister said.

He thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Turkey for their effective mediation, which came at a pivotal historical moment.

“We also express our deep gratitude to the State of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, all the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and every Arab country that stood by Syria during this critical stage, he added.

He went on to say: “Our meeting today in beloved Baghdad, the capital of authentic Arabism, is a historic opportunity to renew the covenant between us as Arab countries. No matter how far circumstances separate us or policies divide us, what unites us is far greater than what divides us.”

“The Syrian Arab Republic, government and people, embarks in its vision toward its Arab heartland from a firm belief that our Arab unity is neither a political luxury nor a tactical option. Rather, it is a strategic necessity and a fundamental pillar in building a secure, stable, and prosperous future for all our peoples,” Al-Shibani added.

He pointed out that Syria, which paid a heavy price as a result of the policies of the former Assad regime and in resisting fragmentation projects, is returning today to the Arab fold, carrying the hopes and aspirations of its people, striving to repair bridges and cleanse its memory of the wounds of division, with an eye to building a new future that excludes no one, antagonizes no one, and opens its doors to every sincere voice and every hand extended in charity.

National recovery

Al-Shibani asserted that serious steps have begun toward national recovery, stemming from a firm belief that Syria is for all Syrians, with no place for marginalization or exclusion. “For the first time in history, Syria has embarked on a nascent experience of inclusive national dialogue that embraces diversity, ensures representation, and preserves dignity.”

‘We have succeeded in forming an inclusive government that reflects the popular will and translates the suffering of the Syrian citizen into just decisions. We continue to work hard to uncover the fate of the missing and achieve transitional justice, because we believe that there can be no reconciliation without fairness, and no civil peace without revealing the truth,” the minister said.

He went on to say: “We are now putting the final touches to launching work for a national parliament that represents the entire Syrian spectrum, and for a permanent constitution that enshrines rights, protects sovereignty, and establishes a state of law, not a state of chaos.”

Syria’s sovereignty 

“Our firm commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and our absolute rejection of any foreign interference in our internal affairs, regardless of its form or justification, is an inherent right and a firm principle that is not open to maneuver or negotiation.”

He underlined that any project aims at weakening the Syrian state or dividing it under any pretext is condemned and categorically rejected by the Syrian state and people, with all their components.

Al-Shibani added: “Syria does not accept tutelage and does not accept being an arena for others’ conflicts. We desire balanced relations based on mutual respect. We love every Arab country and appreciate every Arab step that has contributed to breaking the isolation and lifting sanctions. A strong and stable Syria is the pillar of Arab security.

He went on to say: “Syria is paying a heavy price as a result of foreign interference and internal conflicts. It is confronting parties that do not care about the security or future of the Syrians, but rather seek to exploit the Syrian tragedy to serve their own agendas.

ISIS

“Syria faces several challenges, including the remnants of ISIS, which foreign powers are trying to use as a tool for political blackmail and security pressure. This is in addition to the covert plots to dismantle Syrian society and sow discord by supporting separatist groups, dragging the country into a protracted civil conflict,” he said

Israeli violations

Moreover, the minister said that the ongoing Israeli threats and violations in southern Syria are a blatant violation of international law and the most basic principles of the UN Charter. “They pose a threat to regional stability. We affirm our commitment to the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement, which guarantees a minimum level of stability in this sensitive region.”

He affirmed that maintaining the security of southern Syria is an integral part of Syria’s security and territorial integrity. “Continued attacks threaten calm efforts and open the door to further chaos in the region. We look forward to a unified Arab position and an effective role in supporting Syria’s right to regain full sovereignty over all its territories.’

Gaza

As for the Israeli attacks on Gaza, Al-Shibani said: “We hear the call of wounded, besieged, and afflicted Gaza within us and see it in the eyes of our children. It is time for our region to enjoy peace, for our people to live in dignity, and for the compass to return to its correct direction.”

Heart of the nation

He concluded his speech by saying: “Syria was and will remain a part of the heart of the nation. Today, it extends its hand to you out of partnership and responsibility to build a future worthy of our history and fulfilling the aspirations of our peoples. We do not have the luxury of waiting and being preoccupied with differences at the expense of the present of our peoples and the future of our generations….. We extend our sincere congratulations and sincere expressions of appreciation to the brotherly Republic of Iraq, its leadership, government, and people, on the success of the Arab Summit hosted by the capital, Baghdad, with all competence and ability. We congratulate this success.”

Basma Qaddour