Damascus, Syria- Syria’s transitional leader Ahmed Al-Shara said his government is engaged in talks with Turkey and Russia across several areas, including military cooperation, and is open to building relations with Israel as part of efforts to stabilize the country.
In an interview with The New York Times published Wednesday, Al-Shara said all foreign military forces operating in Syria must comply with national laws and avoid actions that pose threats to other countries from Syrian territory.
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“Any foreign presence must not be a launchpad for conflict in the region,” he said, adding that regional and European countries are increasingly interested in a stable post-war Syria.
Following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad late last year, Al-Shara assumed leadership and has since indicated a movement towards normalization with former adversaries, including both regional stakeholders and Western powers.
On Tuesday, U.S. Congressman Cory Mills, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said after visiting Damascus that Al-Shara expressed willingness to improve relations with Israel. According to Mills, the Syrian leader emphasized a desire to establish “good relations with all neighbouring countries, including Israel,” and committed to preventing the transfer of weapons through Syria by Iran-backed groups targeting Israel.
Mills also said Al-Shara voiced concern over Iranian efforts to destabilize Syria and requested U.S. help in lifting sanctions, though Mills noted that any such move would be up to President Donald Trump.
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The U.S. maintains sweeping sanctions on Syria under the Caesar Act, citing human rights abuses and war crimes committed under Assad’s rule. While the Assad regime has fallen, Washington has yet to formally reassess its stance toward the transitional government.
