Al-Shaybani: Engaged in negotiations with Israel mediated by the US, and steadfast in the disengagement agreement and our sovereignty over the occupied Golan

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani affirmed that his country remains engaged in negotiations with Israel under US sponsorship and is committed to the “diplomatic solution,” despite Israel’s ongoing attacks on its territory. Al-Shaybani stated during a joint press conference with his Danish counterpart, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, in Damascus yesterday, “Despite all challenges, we remain committed to the diplomatic solution and are working hard to achieve it. We are engaged in negotiations mediated by the United States,” according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

He clarified that the objective of the negotiations is “to halt attacks and arrests, and for Israel to withdraw to the lines preceding December 8, 2024, with a full return to compliance with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, the consolidation of Syrian sovereignty over its occupied Golan, and the absolute sovereign right to build our national army.”

Regarding Israeli attacks on Syria, Al-Shaybani emphasized that “Israel continues its incursions and attacks on Syrian territory,” noting that 65 incursions were recorded in July alone, and 52 incursions occurred during the first 18 days of August. These were accompanied by 147 arrests since the beginning of this year, with 49 still detained, as well as raids on homes in Quneitra, near Damascus. He pointed out that Israeli statements regarding the refusal of occupation forces to leave Mount Hermon represent “an explicit declaration entrenching the occupation,” and called on European partners to convey facts concerning Israeli attacks to the corridors of international decision-making.

For his part, the Danish Foreign Minister affirmed that Syria is recovering after years spent under the brutal Assad regime, stressing that its friends are always ready to assist it. He noted that his visit to Damascus was “positive and constructive,” during which he held positive meetings and discussions with President Ahmad al-Sharaa and several officials regarding the development of cooperation between the two countries.

He highlighted that the talks addressed opportunities to enhance bilateral economic cooperation, noting that the Danish business sector is prepared to invest in the Syrian market. He explained that an agreement was reached to begin drafting a partnership agreement that would serve as a framework for future cooperation between the two countries, in addition to working to reopen the Danish Institute in Damascus as soon as possible.

Rasmussen clarified that Denmark was among the first countries to support the lifting of sanctions on Syria, and that the reopening of its embassy in Damascus constitutes an important step toward closer cooperation. He indicated that future cooperation would encompass recovery, trade, reconstruction, migration, investment, and security.