Newsletters
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa's position regarding Lebanon "has put an end to speculation and misleading assumptions" about Damascus's intentions toward Beirut, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Monday.
The remarks came during a phone call between Salam and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, according to a statement from the Lebanese premier's office.
Salam praised "the brotherly and candid stance toward Lebanon expressed by President Ahmad al-Sharaa during his television interview yesterday, which put an end to speculation and misleading assumptions regarding Syria's intentions toward Lebanon," the statement said.
The two officials also reaffirmed the importance of strengthening ties between Beirut and Damascus.
According to the statement, the conversation provided an opportunity "to reaffirm the strength of relations" between the two countries and the need to further develop them on the basis of state-to-state cooperation and mutual interests.
In a televised interview Sunday, Sharaa said Syria harbors no hostile intentions toward Lebanon and remains committed to dialogue.
"We possess the courage to declare any confrontation we might choose, but we intend nothing but good and a happy life for our people in Lebanon," he said.
Sharaa added that Syria's approach is centered on strengthening the Lebanese state and its institutions while pursuing solutions acceptable to all parties.
He also said Hezbollah should integrate more fully into Lebanon's political framework.
"Hezbollah should find its place within Lebanon," Sharaa said, arguing that Lebanese national interests should prevail over all other considerations.
The Syrian president further stated that the group had "encroached on the Lebanese state's authority over decisions of war and peace."
Sharaa's comments came after U.S. President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Israel's handling of Hezbollah.
Speaking to Fox News earlier Sunday, Trump said Israel had been unable to "put Hezbollah away."
He suggested that Syria's leadership could potentially play a greater role in addressing the issue.
"I am close to giving this to Syria," Trump said, referring to efforts to deal with Hezbollah.
Sharaa concluded his interview by emphasizing that Syria's primary focus remains economic development and reconstruction.
He said Damascus "has no intention" of abandoning that path, underscoring that economic recovery remains the country's foremost priority.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
2 min read
1 min read
