New York, SANA-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad al-Shaibani raised the new Syrian flag today before the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
“On the behalf of the Syrian Arab Republic, I stand today at a historic moment overflowing with dignity, to raise our new Syrian flag in this international edifice for the first time, after we have turned a painful page in our history.” Minister al-Shaibani tweeted.
Minister al-Shaibani added: “This flag, which flies today in the skies of the United Nations, symbolizes not only a state, but the will of a people who have persevered and struggled, refused to surrender, and believed that freedom and justice are not luxuries, but rather a right to be seized.”.
In statements to Al Jazeera after raising the flag, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said that Syrians have waited 14 years for this step. It is not merely symbolic, but rather commemorates the memory of the Syrian people and crowns their victory.
“It wasn’t just my hand that raised this flag, there were a million Syrian martyrs who helped me raise it, and 15 million displaced and refugees were by my side. There were the voices of mothers of martyrs and missing persons, all witnessing this historic moment.” Minister al-Shaibani said.
Minister al-Shaibani added that this moment represents a new birth in the future of Syria and in the history of the region, one that will enhance Syria’s role and international presence. Today, Syria’s image, denied for many years, is being restored because it deserves this status and deserves to have its people represented appropriately, and for its voice to reach the United Nations.
Minister al-Shaibani pointed out that the world needs to hear the demands of the Syrian people, after they had previously been misrepresented. Today, there is a new Syria and a new opportunity being created in the Arab region.
He extended his thanks to all countries and all the free people of the world who stood by the Syrian people during their ordeal.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates pointed out that the Syrian people, first and foremost, need the lifting of the economic sanctions previously imposed as a result of the regime’s crimes against them. Once the sanctions are lifted, there is no justification for their continued existence, as they constitute an obstacle to the return of refugees, the stabilization of security, investment, and the revival of infrastructure destroyed by the former regime. They also target the daily lives of the Syrian people, including their basic needs.
Minister al-Shaibani explained that Syrians, both at home and abroad, have many aspirations and hopes to begin rebuilding and reconstructing their country, and that the Syrian people deserve and are worthy of trust. He pointed out that many countries stand by Syria today, which is open to the entire world and extends its hand to the international community, from which it demands reciprocity.
Minister Al-Shaibani affirmed that Syria, since the first day of the new administration, has extended its hand to all regional partners, especially neighboring countries, and seeks to stand alongside the countries of the region, especially Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, and Turkey, as harmonious countries united by cooperation, respect, and a bright future.
MHD Ibrahim
