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Diplomatic contacts between Syria and Israel mediated by the United States in Paris concluded without reaching a final agreement, according to a diplomatic source who spoke to Syrian state television Al-Ikhbariya.
The Syrian delegation included representatives from the Foreign Ministry and the General Intelligence Organization, the source said, providing details about the diplomatic engagement held in the French capital.
The talks aimed to reduce military and political tensions that have escalated since early December and to reopen communication channels that have been closed for an extended period, the source explained.
While no final agreement was reached, preliminary consultations on reducing tensions will continue in an open and direct manner, according to the diplomatic source.
Syria explicitly demanded the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from positions they have recently advanced to, the source emphasized, adding that the presence of illegal foreign forces on Syrian territory was categorically rejected.
Focusing particularly on developments since Dec. 8, the source held Israel responsible for increased military activity in the region, stating: "Such aggressive steps threaten not only Syria but the security of the entire region."
The diplomatic source also underscored that attempts by external actors to use segments of Syrian society in projects to divide the country or establish parallel structures to the state were unacceptable.
The source reported that both parties agreed to organize new meetings in the coming period and to continue these contacts to evaluate steps aimed at ensuring stability. The process will be conducted with full respect for Syria's sovereignty, unity and political independence, the source stated.
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