Syria accused Israel yesterday of attempting to sabotage any chance of peace through a campaign to double the number of Jewish settlers in the Golan Heights, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967.
Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam, in a statement after a meeting with a group of Iraqi tribal leaders, stated that this is part of Israel’s policy to thwart any peaceful approach.
Israeli Minister of Agriculture Israel Katz announced on Wednesday that the government has agreed to double the number of settlers in the Golan in order to strengthen Israel’s control over the strategic plateau before commencing any peace negotiations with Syria. Currently, there are approximately 17,000 settlers residing in the Golan Heights, which were occupied by Israel in 1967.
Khaddam stated that this expansion plan, along with the ongoing mistreatment of Palestinians, confirms Israel’s continued hostility towards peace.
Furthermore, the Syrian Vice President expressed hope that Iraqis would swiftly regain their sovereignty and maintain national unity. He emphasized that there is a national consensus in Iraq regarding the need to end the occupation, rebuild the state, and ensure the participation of all citizens in managing the country’s affairs. This would be achieved through elections supervised by the United Nations, resulting in the formation of a legislative council responsible for drafting a constitution. He added, “There is also a consensus on the importance of preserving national unity and preventing the disintegration of the nation, as any flaws in the nation-building process would have dangerous and detrimental effects on all Iraqis.”
When asked about the Kurds’ desire to establish a federation, Khaddam responded that decisions related to Iraq’s constitutional, legal, or political structure should be made by the Iraqi people through free elections. He further stated that no perspective should be adopted before the Iraqi people have had their say on the matter. Additionally, Khaddam mentioned ongoing discussions between Syria, Turkey, and Iran concerning the situation in Iraq. He emphasized that all Arab countries, along with Turkey and Iran, are concerned about the situation and acknowledge the dangers of its continuation. Their demands include the liberation of Iraq, the transfer of power to Iraqis, and an end to the occupation.
On Friday, the American State Department announced its continued opposition to the establishment of new Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, awaiting clarifications from Israel regarding its project to expand settlements in the Golan Heights.
Assistant State Department spokesman Adam Ereli stated, “We received a response, but it lacks clarity,” regarding the Israeli authorities’ position. He added that the United States remains clearly opposed to the establishment of any new Israeli settlements, deeming them unproductive and advocating for their cessation.
