Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty meets former UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen in New York. Photo: Egyptian foreign ministry
According to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Abdelatty’s remark came during his meeting with former UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen in New York, ahead of his participation at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.
The 1974 accord, reached a year after the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, established an 80-kilometre (50-mile) UN-monitored buffer zone between Israeli-occupied territory and Syrian-controlled land.
During the meeting, Abdelatty strongly condemned Israel’s continued violations of Syrian sovereignty, including the airstrikes that targeted Syrian state institutions following the recent events in Sweida.
He reiterated Egypt’s firm position on preserving Syria’s unity, territorial integrity, and the security of its people.
The Egyptian FM stressed that achieving the desired stability requires a comprehensive political transition process that includes all components of the Syrian people.
He affirmed Egypt’s support for the role of the UN in sponsoring the Syrian political process to reach a comprehensive settlement that preserves Syria’s unity and sovereignty and fulfils the aspirations of its people.
Abdelatty further emphasised the importance of continuing counterterrorism efforts to restore stability in Syria and allow it to pursue its natural regional role.
He expressed appreciation for the UN envoy’s tireless efforts over more than six years in serving the Syrian cause, praising his commitment and role in supporting the political settlement track.
The Egyptian FM affirmed Cairo’s ongoing cooperation with the UN on this crucial issue.
On 15 July, Israel carried out airstrikes against Syrian government forces in the predominantly Druze Sweida province in southern Syria.
The Israeli attacks followed the breaking out of clashes between residents of the city and government forces, with Tel Aviv vowing to protect the Druze population.
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