Guterres set to be first UN chief to visit Syria since before 2011 war

Japan TodayIndependentCenter5 hr. ago

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated during an interview with Al Jazeera that Syria is pursuing a security agreement with Israel, aiming for comprehensive peace while maintaining Syria's claim over the Golan Heights. He emphasized efforts to engage multiple countries to encourage Israel toward a more balanced stance. Sharaa noted that after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Israeli forces entered Syria, occupied strategic areas, and conducted strikes against Syrian territory, including attacks on villages like Maariyah. His remarks occurred alongside UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' visit to Syria, marking the first such visit since 2009, where Guterres condemned Israeli actions violating the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. Sharaa, working to restore Syria’s international standing, recently attended the UN General Assembly and expressed non-interventionist policies toward Lebanon, despite past conflicts with Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of Syria's diplomatic outreach to Israel and the ongoing tensions between the two nations. It includes quotes from both Syrian and Israeli perspectives, references to international actors like the UN, and contextualizes recent military actions without overtly褒

Japan TodayIndependentCenteryesterday

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set to visit Syria on Saturday, marking the first such visit by a serving U.N. chief since the start of the nearly 14-year war that began in 2011. The visit comes as Syria transitions under the leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who previously headed an Islamist-affiliated group and was under U.N. sanctions. Guterres will meet with Sharaa, foreign minister Asaad al-Shaibani, and representatives of Syrian civil society. He will emphasize the need for Syria to build a 'more stable, more inclusive, and more prosperous' future. The visit follows recent bombings targeting French President Emmanuel Macron in Damascus and occurs amid ongoing sectarian tensions, including attacks against Alawite and Druze communities. Sharaa’s government seeks to restore Syria’s international standing and economic ties, having recently engaged with the U.S., which has lifted many sanctions and signaled potential removal from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of Guterres’ visit, highlighting both the significance of the event and the complex political situation in Syria. It includes information about Sharaa’s background, the historical context of the conflict, and the current efforts to rebuild international ties.