Syrian Foreign Minister: Doors Open for Negotiation with Israel

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaybani has acknowledged that Damascus has not closed its doors to negotiations with Israel. In an interview with Axios, Al-Shaybani stated that significant progress was made in security talks with Israel mediated by Washington, but Tel Aviv ultimately withdrew. He expressed that these negotiations could resume to achieve understandings that would guarantee the security of both parties.

Al-Shaybani, whose government has adopted a policy of appeasement towards Israeli occupation and aggression in southern Syria, emphasized that de-escalation is not a unilateral responsibility and that Israel must reconsider its policies toward Syria. He affirmed that the Syrian government remains keen on reaching an agreement with Israel to reduce tensions along the border, but criticized Israeli policies for not contributing to stability in Syria or the region.

Responding to a recent Israeli strike on the Abu al-Duhur military airport in Idlib, Syria, Al-Shaybani offered a subdued and ambiguous reaction. He indicated that following the attack, Syria contacted the Trump administration and other nations to protest and prevent recurrence, while explicitly informing Washington of their distrust in Israel’s intentions towards Syria.