Did Syrian President Shara Say, “Whoever Wants War, Al-Golani is Ready”?

Kokcha News Agency: Syrian President Ahmed Shara recently addressed developments in the southern province of Suwayda and Israel’s attacks on Syria in a televised speech. Shortly after, some news outlets and social media users circulated claims that Shara had said, “Whoever wants peace, Ahmed Shara is ready; whoever wants war, Abu Muhammad al-Julani is ready.”

However, Anadolu Agency’s Fact-Checking Unit investigated the claims and found no evidence that Shara made such a statement. According to AA’s correspondent in Damascus, who monitored the entire speech, the alleged quote does not appear in Shara’s remarks.

Key Points from Shara’s Speech:

• Shara accused Israel of targeting Syria’s stability and attempting to sow discord among the population.

• He emphasized Syria’s resilience against Israeli efforts to divide the country, stating, “We have the will and strength to overcome any Israeli attempt to divide us.”

• Shara stressed that Syria would not allow itself to become a battleground for external forces, saying, “We will not give them the opportunity to turn this country into their war zone.”

• He called for unity among Syrians, urging them to prioritize national interests over personal gains.

• Shara also condemned illegal groups that have rejected dialogue and committed crimes against civilians, particularly in Suwayda.

• He assured that the Druze community, under state protection, would have their rights safeguarded, and any threats to national unity would be addressed.

The claim that President Shara said, “Whoever wants peace, Ahmed Shara is ready; whoever wants war, Abu Muhammad al-Julani is ready,” is false. The statement does not appear in his televised address, and the context of his speech focused on national unity and resistance against external threats.