Syrian President Shara: We are working on a security agreement with Israel

Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara announced in an interview with the Qatar-based Al Jazeera television that his country is working to reach a security agreement with Israel. Shara stated that they are conducting diplomatic contacts to involve the international community and various countries in the process.

Stating that Israel has various objectives in the region, Shara expressed that they are making efforts to pursue a more balanced policy toward Syria. Emphasizing that they avoid engaging in "vicious conflicts" with Israel, Shara noted that there are some obstacles and Israeli violations standing in the way of a potential security agreement.

Despite this, Shara stated that they aim to reach peaceful solutions with minimal damage, adding that countries in the region should not be forced to choose between the goals of Israel and Iran. The Syrian leader noted that regional countries should develop an independent political line.

EMPHASIS ON A NEW ERA

In the interview, where he also evaluated Syria's domestic and foreign policy, Shara argued that the 60-year policies of the Assad regime had isolated the country from its regional and international environment. Stating that the new era is focused on construction, stability, and development, Shara said that the US and European countries have welcomed the new page Syria has turned.

Expressing that the complete lifting of economic sanctions is linked to Syria's removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, Shara reported that the process of normalizing relations with Russia is ongoing and that negotiations regarding the future of bases in the country are continuing.

Shara also shared his concerns regarding the presence of Hezbollah on the Lebanese border and stated that they support the sovereignty of the Lebanese state.

Touching upon humanitarian issues in domestic policy, Shara said that they have established a special committee to track the status of individuals who went missing during the era of the ousted Bashar al-Assad regime. Stating that the committee's work is ongoing, Shara described the numbers encountered as "very large and shocking."

Stating that there has been a slowdown in the implementation of the agreement made with the SDF, the Syrian branch of the PKK/YPG, Shara noted that their determination to bring the process to a successful conclusion remains.

Stating that the eastern region of Syria was neglected for years during the old regime, Shara announced that a new highway project between Damascus and Deir ez-Zor is being worked on. Stating that relations with Iraq are improving, Shara added that they are concerned about unchecked groups along the border line.

News Source: 12punto