Syrian leader addresses UN rostrum on 70th anniversary

Syrian President Ahmed al-Shar's speech to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on September 24 was symbolic. His address to the world from the UN rostrum the day before, as the man with a $10 million bounty on his head from the United States, and his bilateral meetings with many heads of state during the visit, were a testament to the dramatic changes that have taken place in Syria since December.

Also, considering that the last Syrian leader to address the world from the UN rostrum was Noureddine Attasi in 1967, the symbolic significance of al-Shar's speech and the opportunity it creates for the new government can be understood even more clearly.

In a speech that lasted just 9 minutes, Ahmed Al-Shar' stressed that Syria is on the verge of moving away from being a "crisis exporting country" and becoming a "source of opportunity for peace," and called for the lifting of economic sanctions against the country.

It was particularly important that Al-Shar' strongly emphasized the need for economic sanctions to be completely lifted so that they are not used as a means to once again shackle Syrians and deprive them of their freedoms.

Here are some notable points from his speech:

He demanded the lifting of all international sanctions on Syria.

"Syria is regaining its rightful place in the international community," he said.

He promoted the Syrian government's plans to establish new institutions, hold elections, and attract foreign investment.

In his speech, he criticized Israel's strikes on Syria, emphasizing that this policy contradicts the Syrian dream, which is supported by the international community.

He expressed support for the people of Gaza, saying, "Syria stands with the people of Gaza, and the torture and violence against them must end immediately."

Al-Shar'i emphasized on news channels that Syria is focusing on its efforts to combat certain terrorist organizations and drug trafficking and is trying to abandon them.