Ankara: Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has announced that Syria does not plan to engage in military intervention in Lebanon but is prepared to provide the Lebanese government with various options to tackle its ongoing challenges. 'We are not considering military intervention, but Syria has several cards that it can offer the Lebanese state to use as it sees fit,' al-Sharaa stated during an interview on Al Jazeera's Al-Muqabala program.
According to Anadolu Agency, al-Sharaa revealed that Damascus is in discussions with the Lebanese government about 'a range of solutions' aimed at stabilizing the nation and enabling it to benefit from Syria's recent recovery. He expressed concerns that instability in Lebanon might adversely impact Syria, emphasizing the necessity for the Lebanese state to have exclusive control over law enforcement, weaponry, and decisions related to war and peace. He further mentioned Syria's political proposals aimed at helping Lebanon implement the Taif Agreement and bolstering state institutions without direct military involvement.
On the topic of relations with Israel, al-Sharaa noted that Syria is collaborating with several countries to negotiate a security agreement intended to promote a balanced approach from Israel towards Syria. Such an agreement, if successful, could set the stage for comprehensive peace while maintaining Syria's claim over the Golan Heights.
Addressing Russia's military presence, al-Sharaa mentioned ongoing discussions with Moscow, highlighting the agreement to strengthen Russia's military bases in Syria, specifically at Hmeimim Air Base and Tartus. He pointed out the swift move by Moscow to 'open a new chapter' in relations with Damascus, underscoring shared interests between the two nations.
Turning to Iraq, al-Sharaa highlighted the significant mutual economic interests between Syria and Iraq. He acknowledged ongoing direct communications with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to discuss Syria's political direction and address concerns regarding armed groups along their shared border.
On domestic issues, al-Sharaa emphasized Syria's commitment to transitional justice and accountability through legal institutions while maintaining civil peace. He also discussed governmental measures to recognize the Kurdish community's cultural rights, including granting citizenship to over 300,000 stateless individuals and declaring the Kurdish New Year an official holiday.
Furthermore, al-Sharaa highlighted Syria's economic progress, with 3,700 new production lines launched since early 2025 and increasing Gulf and international investments. He also reported that over 3.4 million displaced Syrians and refugees have returned home in the past 18 months.
Al-Sharaa announced the formation of a special body to search for missing persons using internationally recognized forensic standards. He also spoke about the US potentially removing Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a designation in place since 1979, attributing this development to mediation efforts by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Arabia, which influenced US President Donald Trump to consider lifting the Caesar Act sanctions on Syria. Al-Sharaa stated that the decision would undergo a 45-day review by Congress before being finalized.