In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Syria’s vice foreign minister, Bassam Sabbagh, criticized the United States for what he referred to as a “terrorist war” in Syria, which he claimed had caused “creative American chaos” and instability in the Middle East. He accused successive US administrations of pursuing policies that served their geopolitical interests and exacerbated problems to spark tensions and conflicts.
Sabbagh highlighted various global challenges, including devastating conflicts, ongoing occupations, rising poverty, hunger, and economic blockades. He called for global cooperation among UN member states to establish a new multipolar world order that could address these issues.
The vice foreign minister accused the US of misinterpreting the UN Charter to justify attacks on other countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, resulting in the expenditure of billions of dollars to destroy development achievements in Syria over the years. He also attributed the emergence of terrorist groups like Daesh and Al-Nusra Front to what he called “creative American chaos.”
Sabbagh emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of member states as a fundamental principle of the UN Charter. He accused Israel, the US, and Turkey of violating this principle through their actions in Palestine and Syria.
Regarding Israel, he condemned its occupation of Arab lands in Palestine and the Syrian Golan Heights since 1967 and called for its immediate and unconditional end. He accused Israel of committing grave and systematic violations of the UN Charter, leading to unprecedented tension and instability in the region.
Sabbagh also criticized some countries for supporting or remaining silent about such practices, despite declaring themselves protectors of international humanitarian law. He reiterated Syria’s support for an independent Palestinian state and the return of the Golan Heights to Syria.
The vice foreign minister accused the US of causing significant losses to Syria’s oil sector and plundering the country’s national wealth, including gas and wheat, resulting in deprivation and suffering. He called on the UN to hold the US accountable for this and demanded the return of the looted money to Syria.
Sabbagh also accused the US and Turkey of infiltrating Syrian territory and engaging in illegal military activities, which he characterized as flagrant interference in Syria’s internal affairs. Syria sought an end to the unilateral coercive measures imposed by the US and its European allies, including sanctions affecting public health, banking, and energy sectors.
He mentioned the devastating earthquakes in Syria, which added to the suffering of its people, and expressed gratitude for the UN Secretary-General’s funding appeal while urging international donors to fulfill their pledges for humanitarian relief.
Sabbagh stated Syria’s readiness to welcome back all Syrian refugees who left their homes since 2011, including those forced to seek refuge due to terrorist organizations. He called on Western countries to stop discouraging refugees from returning to their homeland.
The vice foreign minister praised the Arab League Summit in Jeddah for supporting Syria’s sovereignty and solidarity with Libya and Morocco in the aftermath of natural disasters. He concluded by calling for the UN General Assembly to be a platform for dialogue and diplomacy rather than making false accusations and launching hostile campaigns, emphasizing the need to translate the UNGA slogan of “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity” into real action to ensure that no one is left behind.
Source: Arab News
