Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa stated on Wednesday that Israel's policy runs counter to the world's support for Syria and exposes the region to a whirlwind of new conflicts during his speech to the United Nations General Assembly.
“We are committed to dialogue,” he assured, calling on the international community to support Syria in the face of the strikes.
Sharaa, who became the first Syrian leader to go on the podium of the UNGA since 1967, reiterated his pleas for the lifting of sanctions on Syria. "Syria today is rebuilding itself by establishing a new state, building institutions and laws that guarantee the rights of all without exception."
"I personally thank Qatar, Turkey, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United States of America, and the European Union. The suffering that Syria has endured, we wish upon no one."
"We are among the people most deeply aware of the horrors of war and destruction. It is for this reason that we stand with the people of Gaza and their children," he added.
Sharaa presents the 'three pillars of New Syria'
“From the very moment the former regime fell, we set out a clear strategic policy built upon three pillars – balanced diplomacy, security and stability, and economic development,” Sharaa explained.
He pledged that Syria aims to "rebuild itself through establishing a new State, building institutions and laws that guarantee the rights of all without exception.”
Sharaa also spoke about the future transition of Syria into a democracy, with a transitional judicial system that is investigating the fate of missing persons, while work is underway toward electing a legislative council.
Another key part of his speech was the renewal of state civil and military forces, with the previous regime bureaucracy dissolved, and a “government of competence” established to strengthen participation.
“Major regional and international companies have already begun entering the Syrian market, contributing through investment and reconstruction,” he said, while calling for the lifting of all sanctions so they no longer “shackle the Syrian people.”
Druze people and sectarian violence in Syria
Finally, Sharaa addressed the recent waves of sectarian violence reported in Syria, like the attacks on Druze in Sweida, explaining that the new government formed fact-finding commissions to investigate these situations.
“I guarantee to bring to justice everyone accountable and responsible for bloodshed,” he said.
“A land of ancient civilisation and culture deserves to be a state of law. Protecting everyone, safeguarding rights, guaranteeing freedoms, and fostering life to flourish while turning the page of a wretched past,” he concluded.
Sharaa meets Trump on the sidelines
Later in the night, Sharaa met with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Syrian state news agency SANA reported.
SANA released a photograph showing al-Sharaa shaking hands with Trump, with First Lady Melania Trump also present. The agency provided no further details.
This was the second meeting between the two leaders, following their meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, in May.
Reuters contributed to this report.