Syrian foreign minister signals readiness for talks with Hezbollah

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani has expressed readiness to meet with representatives of Hezbollah, speaking to journalists after talks in Beirut with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

“The discussion was successful and productive in strengthening ties between Syria and Lebanon,” the Syrian foreign minister said. “We did not discuss the issue of Hezbollah, and no meeting with its representatives is planned during this visit. However, we state that we are ready for such contacts if they prove beneficial to all parties.”

Earlier, a source in the Lebanese parliament told TASS that al-Shaibani’s visit is aimed at opening a new chapter in relations between the two neighbouring countries.

The source noted that Damascus, together with several other Arab states, has put forward an initiative to facilitate dialogue among Lebanon’s political forces, including on the issue of disarming Hezbollah’s armed units.

According to the source, the Syrian side “is demonstrating a willingness to engage with various political and religious leaders in Lebanon.” During his visit to Beirut, al-Shaibani is also expected to meet Lebanon’s Grand Mufti of the Sunni community, Abdul Latif Derian, and the head of the Maronite Church, Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi.

By Jeyhun Aghazada