Syria seeks US-backed security deal with Israel but rejects occupation

DUBAI: Syria wants to pursue a US-backed security agreement with Israel but will not accept the occupation of its territory, Damascus’ UN envoy Ibrahim Olabi said on Thursday, accusing Israel of undermining diplomatic efforts with military incursions and airstrikes. Olabi told the UN Security Council that Syria had chosen dialogue and mediation to avoid further regional escalation, while Israel had responded with attacks and incursions. “Israel penetrated our villages, displaced our people, bomb