Syria’s interim president confirms indirect talks with Israel

France has become the first European country to host Syria’s interim President, Ahmed Shara. Appearing before cameras with Macron in Paris, Shara announced that indirect talks between Syria and Israel are ongoing.

France, Syria’s former colonial power, hosted Ahmed Shara, who assumed the role of interim President, for official talks in Paris, aligning with its goal of increasing influence in the country. Shara met with President Emmanuel Macron in France, arriving with special permission from the United Nations.

Topics discussed during the meeting included post-war reconstruction and economic cooperation, as well as Israeli attacks. A Syrian government official stated that the meeting focused on these areas.

A statement from the Elysee Palace said, “This meeting is part of France’s historical commitment to the Syrian people who desire peace and democracy.”

France aims to increase its effectiveness in Syria following Russia’s long-standing influence. French companies are also striving to be involved in significant projects during the reconstruction process. Last week, the French logistics giant CMA CGM signed an agreement covering the right to develop and operate the Port of Latakia for 30 years.

Responding to questions about Israel’s attacks on Syria during the joint press conference held after the meeting, Shara said that indirect talks between the two countries are continuing. “Indirect talks with Israel are ongoing. This is an initiative aimed at de-escalating the situation before it gets out of control,” he stated.

Describing Israel’s interventions as “random and irregular,” Shara used the following expressions:

“Israel violated the 1974 agreement. From the moment we arrived in Damascus, we conveyed to all parties that Syria is committed to the 1974 agreement and that the UN-affiliated UNDOF forces should return to the blue line in the Golan. We are trying to exert pressure by communicating with all countries that have relations with Israel, so that Israel does not interfere in Syria’s internal affairs, violate its airspace, and bomb certain facilities. In this way, events can be prevented from getting out of control.”

Reuters had reported that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was mediating secret security and intelligence-focused contacts between Israel and Syria.

Speaking about EU sanctions on Syria, Shara said that keeping these sanctions in place after the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad administration was “unjust.” “These sanctions were imposed because of the crimes committed by the previous regime. However, there is no longer any justification for continuing these sanctions,” Shara said, emphasizing that the security of Syrians is their highest priority.

Responding to a question about foreign fighters in Syria, Shara said that these individuals would be subject to Syrian laws and that they had pledged not to pose a threat to neighboring countries or their home countries.

He also noted that some foreign fighters have married Syrian women and had children, stating, “These individuals can obtain citizenship if they meet the legal requirements defined in the Syrian Constitution. This matter should be resolved in a respectful and dignified manner, befitting those who support the Syrian people.”

French President Macron, for his part, stated that if Syria maintains its current political trajectory, they will work towards the gradual lifting of European Union sanctions.

“I told the President that if he continues on this path, we will also gradually lift European sanctions and will try to convince our American partners in this regard,” he said.

“The stability and unity of Syria are of great importance for the stability of the Middle East and for the security of the French and Europeans,” Macron said, emphasizing the necessity of cooperation with Syria in the fight against ISIS.

Macron also advocated for a joint fight against Hezbollah, stating, “A significant part of our cooperation is to intensify the fight against Hezbollah, counter the influence of Iran and its proxy elements in the region, and contribute to the stability of Syria and Lebanon.”

Macron also criticized Israel’s attacks on Syria, saying, “I do not think you can ensure your own security by violating the territorial integrity of your neighbors. Bombings and violations are bad practices. I will not apply a double standard to anyone on this matter,” he added, stating that a closer dialogue with Israel should be established.