Ahmed al-Shar'i meets with EU leaders in New York

Yesterday, September 23, Syrian President Ahmed al-Shar' held talks with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

In a statement, EU officials welcomed the meeting, saying it focused on Syria's transition challenges. They stressed the EU's support for "a genuine, inclusive, peaceful and Syrian-led transition process free from harmful external interference."

In a separate statement, Al-Shar' warned that the Middle East would be at risk of new instability unless the occupying Israeli government concluded a security agreement that respected Syria's sovereignty.

Speaking at a Middle East Institute event, the Syrian leader expressed hope for an agreement, but noted that Israeli attacks, which are taking advantage of Syria's weakness following the regime change, continue.