Media: Syrian opposition engaging in diplomatic talks with Western countries

Opposition forces that recently took control of Damascus are actively engaging in diplomatic talks with Western countries, including the United Kingdom, regarding the potential reopening of the British Embassy in Syria’s capital.

This was confirmed by opposition leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known by his alias Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, Caliber.Az reports via Al Watan.

"We are in contact with the Western embassies and negotiating with the United Kingdom about the reopening of its mission in Damascus," Al-Sharaa stated, according to the Syrian newspaper Al Watan.

Al-Sharaa further emphasized that Syria holds "no hostility toward the Iranians," despite the shifting political dynamics in the region.

The British Embassy in Damascus was closed in 2012, citing security concerns, following the onset of the Syrian civil war.

The recent escalation began at the end of November when opposition forces launched a large-scale offensive on Syrian army positions.

On December 8, opposition fighters entered Damascus, causing government forces to withdraw from the city. Following these developments, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad left office and fled the country to Moscow where Russian President Vladimir Putin had personally granted him and his family asylum.

On December 10, Mohamed al-Bashir, the head of the so-called "Salvation Government" formed by opposition forces in Idlib province in January 2024, announced his appointment as the head of Syria's transitional government. This government is expected to operate until March 1, 2025.

By Khagan Isayev