24.04.2025 19:10
Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara stated, "Turkey has a military presence in Syria, and Russia also has a military presence. We have canceled past agreements between Syria and other countries, and we are in the process of developing new agreements." Referring to military bases in his country, Shara added, "We have told all parties that this military presence must be in accordance with Syria's legal framework."
Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara gave an interview to the U.S.-based The New York Times newspaper in the capital, Damascus.
"WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPING NEW AGREEMENTS WITH TURKEY AND RUSSIA"
Al-Shara stated, "Any chaos that occurs in Syria will harm not only neighboring countries but the entire world." He mentioned that his government is negotiating agreements with both Turkey and Russia, which has been a significant ally during Bashar al-Assad's rule. Referring to the possibility of receiving military support from both countries in the future, Al-Shara said, "Turkey has a military presence in Syria, and Russia also has a military presence. We have canceled past agreements between Syria and other countries, and we are in the process of developing new agreements."
"MANY COUNTRIES HAVE A GREAT INTEREST IN SYRIA'S STABILITY"
Al-Shara stated, "The collapse of the regime and the new situation in Syria have opened the way for completely new security relations in the region. Therefore, many regional countries or many countries in Europe have a great interest in Syria's stability."
MILITARY BASES IN THE COUNTRY
Pointing to the military bases in the country, Al-Shara said, "We have told all parties that this military presence must be in line with Syria's legal framework. Any new agreement must guarantee Syria's independence, security, and stability, and ensure that no country's presence poses a threat or danger to other nations from Syrian territory."
SEARCH FOR MILITARY SUPPORT
Indicating that Russia has been supporting the Syrian army for years, Al-Shara noted that his country may need support from Russia or other countries in the future, stating, "So far, we have not received offers from other countries as an alternative to Russian-made weapons." Al-Shara added, "Russia is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Syria's weapons are entirely Russian. Syria has many food and energy agreements that it has relied on for many years."
CALL TO THE U.S. TO "LIFT SANCTIONS"
Al-Shara also called on the U.S. to lift sanctions. The Syrian leader stated, "Sanctions were imposed in response to the crimes committed by the previous regime against the people." Referring to the demands put forth by the U.S. for lifting the sanctions, Al-Shara said that some conditions "need to be discussed or changed." Promising that Syrian territory will not be used to threaten any foreign country, Al-Shara stated, "Syria has been determined from the very beginning to prevent its territory from being used in a way that threatens any foreign country."