ShareKUWAIT: Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullah Al-Yahya, reaffirmed the GCC’s steadfast commitment to upholding Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity during his speech at the 46th extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council, held in Kuwait on Thursday.
“We strongly oppose all forms of external interference and reaffirm our full support for the Syrian people’s right to determine their own future,” declared Al-Yahya, who is the ministerial council’s chair. He emphasized that the council is calling for the resumption of an inclusive political process, ensuring participation from all parties.
The GCC’s top diplomats met to discuss developments in Syria and Lebanon following the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime, which collapsed earlier this month when anti-regime groups took control of Damascus. On December 8, the Zionist entity launched a military campaign in Syria, advancing into the Syrian buffer zone in the occupied Golan Heights to search for weapons and Hezbollah collaborators. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially called the Zionist entity’s presence “temporary,” he later stated it would continue until a new security arrangement is made with Syria’s new authority.
A final statement issued following the meeting affirmed that the Golan Heights are Syrian Arab land and condemned the Zionist entity’s decisions to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights. To support Syria’s economic recovery, the council called for lifting sanctions against Syria and urged all partners, states, and organizations to provide full support to the Syrian people. The council emphasized its continued commitment to offering humanitarian assistance.
Gulf countries also affirmed support for efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and inclusive transitional process that fulfills the Syrian people’s aspirations for stability, development, and a dignified life. “The GCC urges the international community to intensify efforts toward achieving a comprehensive and sustainable political solution,” said Al-Yahya. He also underscored the importance of providing care for refugees and displaced persons, advocating for their voluntary and safe return in accordance with international standards.
The council welcomed the steps taken to ensure civilian safety, prevent bloodshed, achieve national reconciliation, and preserve Syria’s state institutions and resources. Additionally, the decision to disarm militias and armed factions and restrict the use of weapons to the state was endorsed.
Jasem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), praised the Syrian Interim Government for its efforts in ensuring a peaceful power transition and protecting civilians. He noted that these steps are essential for Syria’s stability and its return to a key regional and international position. “Achieving national reconciliation and fostering dialogue are crucial for realizing the aspirations of the Syrian people for security, stability, and prosperity,” he asserted.
Since the collapse of president Bashar Al-Assad’s regime earlier this month, the Zionist entity has bombed Syrian military assets in Syria and sent troops into a buffer zone in the occupied Golan Heights. Zionist officials have called the incursion a temporary measure to ensure the entity’s security but have not said when troops would be withdrawn.
Condemning the Zionist entity’s repeated aggression toward Syria, Al-Budaiwi described such actions as blatant violations of international law. “(The Zionist entity)’s continued attacks on Syrian territories, including its occupation of the buffer zone and the decision to expand settlements in the occupied Syrian Golan, violate international law and UN resolutions. The international community must take responsibility and act to halt these aggressions,” he declared.
Serious concern for Lebanon
Turning to Lebanon, Al-Yahya expressed deep concern over the country’s ongoing challenges, reaffirming the GCC’s full support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. “We reject any foreign interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs,” he stated.
Al-Yahya also highlighted the significance of the upcoming presidential elections, scheduled for January 9, 2025, calling them “a genuine opportunity to restore stability in Lebanon.” The council emphasized the importance of adhering to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and preserving Lebanon’s national unity.
In this context, Al-Yahya emphasized: “We cannot turn a blind eye to the ongoing Zionist aggressions against Arab territories in Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine, nor to the brutal practices targeting the Palestinian people. These acts constitute a blatant violation of international law, humanitarian law, and the principles of sovereignty.”
The GCC countries, he highlighted, “reaffirm their unwavering stance in supporting the just Palestinian cause and emphasize that the Palestinian people’s rights are inalienable, particularly their right to establish an independent state based on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.” He called for reopening dialogue to achieve justice for Palestine. “It is imperative to revive the peace process and ensure the resumption of negotiations to achieve a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.”
