Ankara: Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani announced that Damascus has integrated armed factions into the national army to ensure that weapons remain exclusively under state control. This declaration was made during the 166th regular session of the Arab League Council at the ministerial level held at the headquarters in Cairo. Al-Shaibani emphasized that this move is part of a broader strategy to safeguard Syria's recovery and reinforce state sovereignty.
According to Anadolu Agency, al-Shaibani stated that the integration of armed factions into the national army is aimed at protecting Syria's sovereignty and ensuring that arms are restricted to state use. He highlighted the restructuring of Syria's security and defense institutions to protect the country's borders. The foreign minister also discussed significant changes in Syria under President Ahmed al-Sharaa over the past 20 months, which include moving from crisis management to active reconstruction, ending decades of authoritarian rule, and restoring northeastern Syria to state control.
Al-Shaibani further explained that the Syrian government is addressing societal wounds left by the former regime through justice and reconciliation. He mentioned a three-part roadmap developed in collaboration with Jordan, although no additional details were provided. As part of the reconstruction efforts, Syria has restructured its national institutions, established a new parliament, and prioritized education. This has resulted in hundreds of thousands of Syrian children and young people returning to schools and universities from displaced person camps.
The foreign minister also expressed hopes for Syria's integration into Arab developmental funds and programs by 2027. On regional matters, al-Shaibani declared Syria's solidarity with Gulf nations and Jordan in what he termed the 'American-Israeli-Iranian war,' condemning Iranian attacks and emphasizing the importance of state-controlled weaponry. Regarding Israel, he welcomed the Arab League's condemnation of Colombia's recognition of Israel's annexation of the occupied Golan Heights and reiterated Syria's commitment to diplomacy.
The Arab League session in Cairo brings together top diplomats from member states to discuss regional developments and coordinate policy.