Unlawful foreign presence in Syria must end immediately, unconditionally: Mekdad

Syria’s Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad has condemned unlawful presence of foreign forces in the country, calling for an immediate end to such presence.

According to Syria's official SANA news agency, Mekdad made the remark while addressing the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Monday, saying, "The unlawful presence of foreign forces in Syria must end immediately and unconditionally."

"Countering terrorism," the Syrian top diplomat added, "does not mean occupying other people's land, establishing a safe zone, or backing terrorists."

The United States forces have been actively involved in Syria under the guise of fighting the Takfiri terrorist group of Daesh since 2014. Washington extended its troops' presence in Syria since 2017, although, the Arab country and its allies defeated the terror outfit that year.

Numerous reports and regional officials have, meanwhile, pointed to the US’ role in transferring Daesh elements throughout the region and even airlifting supplies to the group.

The US military has stationed forces and equipment in northeastern Syria, with the Pentagon claiming that the deployment is aimed at preventing the oil fields in the area from falling into the hands of Daesh. Damascus, however, asserts that the deployment is aimed at plundering the country's rich resources.

Al-Mekdad also touched on the Israeli regime's 1967-to-present occupation of Syria's Golan Heights, and Tel Aviv's incessant violations against the country.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the top diplomat said the foreign presence and violations that have been carried out by Washington and its allies against Syria, have caused the country to incur material damage running up to $107 billion.

MG