Libya, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group: The Golan is occupied Syrian territory, and Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity are a red line.

New York, October 13, 2026 (LANA) – Speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, Libya reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to upholding the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. It emphasized that the Golan is occupied Syrian territory and demanded Israel’s immediate, complete, and unconditional withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan and all Syrian territories into which its forces have advanced, while condemning Israeli aggression and foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs.

This statement was delivered by Taher El-Sonni, Permanent Representative of Libya to the United Nations, on behalf of the Arab states, during the monthly Security Council briefing on Syria held yesterday, Monday, at the UN headquarters in New York.

The Arab Group commended the steps taken by the Syrian government to bolster stability and prevent the country from being dragged into regional escalation. It also welcomed the growing cooperation between the Syrian government, the United Nations, and its agencies, as well as coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

The Group reiterated its support for efforts to combat terrorism and eliminate the remnants of the "ISIS" organization, while acknowledging national measures regarding transitional justice, the issue of missing persons, and national reconciliation.

Regarding the humanitarian situation, the statement noted the return of approximately 1.8 million Syrian refugees and over two million internally displaced persons to their areas of origin. It called for increased international investment in infrastructure, basic services, and livelihoods, as well as intensified demining efforts, to create the necessary conditions for a voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return. He also called for increased international support for countries hosting Syrian refugees, in a manner that reinforces the principle of shared international responsibility and contributes to addressing the burdens associated with hosting them.

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