The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Syria, Abdul-Halim Khaddam, called on the United Nations General Assembly to take measures leading to the unconditional release of Syrian and Lebanese officers and military personnel held by Israel. His remarks were made in an address to the 27th Session of the General Assembly during its general debate on Monday (9 October).
Mr. Khaddam said that Syria wished to draw attention to Israel’s refusal to respond to provisions of Security Council resolutions adopted in june and July of this year, which condemned Israeli incursions into Lebanese territory. The Israeli actions are thought to have been in retaliation for terrorist acts against Israel. In one action across the Lebanese border, Israeli forces captured several Syrian and Lebanese officers. The Security Council has condemned those actions and called of the release of Israeli-held prisoners.
Mr. Khaddam described the Israeli action as an “act of piracy” and “a violation of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, which bar the holding of hostages.” The Syrian Minister said that it was clear that the Syrian offices concerned were hostages, “as is evident from the Israeli proposal that they be exchanged for Israeli prisoners.”
“Israel’s failure to abide by provisions of the Security Council resolution,” Mr. Khaddam concluded, “violates the United Nations Charter.”
