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Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Thursday firmly rejected proposals for federalism or separation within Syria, warning that such suggestions pose risks to national unity and regional stability.
Speaking via video conference during a meeting in the coastal city of Latakia, Sharaa emphasized that Syria’s coastal region remains a strategic economic and geopolitical priority for the central government.
Sharaa asserted that Syria "has surpassed the danger stage" thanks to state policies and "popular engagement from all components of Syrian society." He warned that the country stands at "a historic juncture that affects the entire region," underlining the need for cohesive national governance.
"The coastal region cannot have an authority of its own isolated from the rest," he said, reaffirming that the area is integral to Syria’s overall stability and economic development.
The president’s comments followed widespread demonstrations across key cities, including Latakia, Hama, Deir ez-Zor, and Quneitra. The rallies were held in response to recent calls for federalism, which Sharaa characterized as "an expression of political ignorance” that serves "narrow interests."
The protests came just a day after a shooting incident involving gunfire from a neighborhood reportedly controlled by former regime loyalists injured two security personnel and several civilians.
According to Sharaa, Syria’s coastal region is vital because it overlooks major global trade routes and serves as "a very strong economic link between Syria and all countries of the region." He added that the area exemplifies the country's sectarian diversity, which he described as enriching rather than divisive.
"The unity of Syrian geography is unquestionable," he said, adding that the state remains focused on shielding the nation from both internal and external threats while accelerating economic progress.
In a separate development, President Sharaa received a U.S. congressional delegation led by Representative Darin LaHood in Damascus. The meeting, which included Syrian Foreign Minister Esad Hasan al-Shaybani, addressed bilateral cooperation and regional stability.
The two sides discussed a range of international issues of mutual concern, highlighting the importance of sustained, constructive dialogue to serve shared interests and support regional peace initiatives, state-run SANA reported.
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