LUANDA, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Angolan President Joao Lourenco on Monday expressed concern over the ongoing invasion and occupation of Syrian territory by "some neighboring states," asserting that Syria should remain recognized as a sovereign state.
"The prevailing uncertainty in Syria, with the recent change of power, is dangerously fueling the desire of some neighboring states to invade and occupy parts of Syrian territory," Lourenco said.
He made the remark while addressing the opening of the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola's VIII Extraordinary Congress in Luanda, Angola's capital, as the leader of the ruling party.
Noting that wars, terrorism and unconstitutional changes in Africa, Europe and the Middle East increasingly threaten global peace and security, Lourenco called for an end to the "genocide" against the Palestinian people in Gaza, while also urging for the release of Israeli hostages.
"Nobody can deny the Palestinian people their inalienable right to live in peace on their own land, and any attempt to expel their citizens to neighboring countries must be discouraged," he said. ■