Damascus, Syria – A senior Syrian official said on Wednesday that Israel’s withdrawal from parts of Syria provided “a minimum level of regional stability” and reaffirmed Damascus’ rejection of any armed forces operating outside state control.
Qutaiba Idlibi, director of U.S. affairs at Syria’s Foreign Ministry, said the government does not want to be drawn into another conflict. “We will not accept an army within an army or a state within a state,” he told Turkey’s Anadolu Agency.
Idlibi warned that instability in Syria risks not only the resurgence of Islamic State (ISIS) but also the growing influence of Iran-backed armed groups. He added that Washington understands these risks and is pressing Israel to maintain regional balance.
He said the United States had confirmed that the Syrian government will remain the “main partner” in the fight against ISIS.
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Addressing internal divisions, Idlibi stressed the need for all Syrian communities, including Kurds, to integrate fully into the state’s social fabric. Himself a Kurd, Idlibi said Kurds must “preserve their identity and at the same time fully belong to the broader Syrian identity”.
Idlibi also highlighted the strategic importance of relations with Turkey, calling the neighbouring country a “pivotal actor” in regional stability and noting shared historical ties between the two nations.
The remarks come amid Damascus’ efforts to consolidate internal stability and strengthen regional partnerships while managing security challenges and political divisions at home.
