Ahmed al-Sharaa, interim President of Syria, attended an Arab League summit in Cairo focused on Gaza, marking his first significant diplomatic engagement since he replaced Bashar al-Assad. The summit addressed contentious proposals from the U.S. regarding Palestinian relocation, which Sharaa heavily criticized. His participation illustrates Syria’s renewed involvement in the Arab League and highlights ongoing issues surrounding Palestine.
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa attended an Arab League summit in Cairo focused on the situation in Gaza, marking his first appearance at such a conference since he took power after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa’s attendance signifies a significant step for Syria, which had been suspended from the Arab League due to the government’s violent crackdown on protests that began in 2011.
The Syrian state news agency SANA reported that Sharaa’s participation was aimed at addressing the Palestinian issue. While in Cairo, images were released depicting Sharaa engaging with prominent figures such as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, and EU chief Antonio Costa, demonstrating diplomatic efforts on the international stage.
Sharaa ascended to the interim presidency following the rebel offensive led by his Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which successfully displaced Assad from power. This change comes after decades of Assad’s family governance, marking a pivotal shift in Syria’s political landscape.
With the endorsement of a UN Security Council committee, Sharaa received exemption from a travel ban that previously restricted him, enabling this crucial visit. His participation underscores Syria’s renewed involvement with the Arab League, which resumed its membership earlier in 2023, following a prolonged period of isolation.
The summit was convened to address contentious proposals from President Donald Trump regarding Gaza, which included plans perceived as detrimental to the Palestinian population. Sharaa has condemned these plans, describing them as “a very huge crime that cannot happen,” highlighting his opposition to any actions that may displace Palestinian inhabitants from their land.
In summary, President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s attendance at the Arab League summit in Cairo showcases both a resurgence of Syria’s diplomatic engagement and highlights the delicate situation concerning Gaza. His condemnatory remarks regarding foreign proposals affecting Palestinian lives reflect his stance on regional issues. This summit represents a pivotal moment for Syria since the end of Assad’s regime, indicating a new phase in Syrian politics and regional relations.
Original Source: www.france24.com
