UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking in Damascus, stated that the United Nations unequivocally recognizes the Golan Heights as belonging to Syria. He condemned Israeli violations of the ceasefire and vowed that the UN will continue to work resolutely for the recognition of Syrian sovereignty over the Golan.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking in Damascus on Saturday, declared that the United Nations unequivocally recognizes the Golan Heights as belonging to Syria and vowed to pursue international recognition of Syrian sovereignty. The statement came hours after Guterres arrived in the Syrian capital earlier today (Sat 08:25 Jerusalem) and met with de facto leader Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, as The Zioneer reported. The visit marks the first by a UN chief to Syria since 2009.
Upon arrival, Guterres stated “we stand with Syria” (Sat 08:25), and shortly afterward reports emerged of his meeting with al-Jolani (Sat 08:25). The UN’s position on the Golan has been consistent: on June 14, Guterres condemned Israeli strikes on Beirut as a ceasefire violation (Sun Jun 14, 20:41 Jerusalem). The visit itself was announced on Tuesday, July 21 (Tue Jul 21, 17:52 Jerusalem), as The Zioneer reported.
The Golan Heights have been under Israeli control since the 1967 war, and the UN has long regarded them as occupied Syrian territory. Guterres’ remarks align with that longstanding stance but mark a particularly direct assertion during a visit to Damascus. The backdrop includes broader regional tensions, including Israeli operations in Lebanon and Gaza, which Guterres has repeatedly called for de-escalation.
It remains unclear what specific diplomatic steps the UN will take to advance recognition of Syrian sovereignty over the Golan, nor what response this will elicit from Israel. The statement may also signal a shift in the UN’s engagement with the new Syrian leadership under al-Jolani.
5 developments
- DevelopingUN Secretary-General to visit Syria this week, meet President al-Sharaa
- DevelopingUN chief Guterres urges immediate halt to Middle East attacks, full respect for ceasefires
- DevelopingSyrian President al-Sharaa meets UN Secretary-General Guterres
- DevelopingUN chief Guterres condemns Israeli strikes on Beirut as ceasefire violation
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