Hyderabad, Sept. 23 -- Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa joked that US President Donald Trump should give New Jersey to Israel instead of the Golan Heights, while reaffirming Syria's position on the disputed territory.

Al-Sharaa made the remarks on Tuesday, September 22, during an Atlantic Council discussion in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He was asked about Trump's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

Recalling a conversation with Trump during his visit to the White House, al-Sharaa said he told the US president, "Why don't you give New Jersey to the Israelis?"

He explained that Trump did not own the Golan Heights, while New Jersey was part of the United States. Al-...