Syria's al-Sharaa blames Tel Aviv for sabotaging progress on bilateral talks

Syria's president has accused Israel of derailing bilateral negotiations, accusing Tel Aviv of shifting its position as the two sides neared a favourable agreement. 

Ahmed al-Sharaa expressed those remarks on the direct and indirect talks his government has been holding with Israel during a meeting at Chatham House in London, Caliber.Az reports citing the Saudi outlet Asharq News. 

“Israel is taking a negative stance toward Syria despite attempts to reach mutual understanding through dialogue,” the Syrian leader said.

He also addressed the issue of foreign military presence in the country, emphasizing that he ruled out the continued presence of Russian military bases in Syria. Al-Sharaa pointed to an agreement that Damascus signed with Russia, which dictates that Moscow is to retain only two facilities, which are to be “converted into training centers for the Syrian army.”

Al-Sharaa also rejected claims that the Syrian government intends to impose a strict Islamic system, stating: “Any laws adopted must be implemented in accordance with the constitution that Syrians agree upon.”

During his appearance at the British policy think tank, the Syrian president did not rule out the possibility that his country could become a target of strikes amid a US-Israeli war with Iran, expressing hope that Syria would not face a situation requiring a response to such attacks.

By Nazrin Sadigova

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