Syria's al-Sharaa says protecting Druze citizens is ‘our priority'
In his first televised statement after the powerful Israeli airstrikes on Damascus on Wednesday, al-Sharaa addressed Druze citizens, saying, 'We reject any attempt to drag you into hands of an external party.'
'We are not among those who fear the war. We have spent our lives facing challenges and defending our people, but we have put the interests of the Syrians before chaos and destruction,' he said.
He added that the Syrian people are not afraid of war and are ready to fight if their dignity is threatened.
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Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Lebanon's president urges unity to seize Arab support, pledges no more wars
BEIRUT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday warned that his country cannot endure another war, stressing that national unity and Arab cooperation are key to Lebanon's recovery. 'The Lebanese can no longer withstand any additional war,' Aoun said, as he urged leaders to reject divisions and foreign meddling, and instead harness growing regional support to rebuild the nation. He was speaking to a delegation of prominent Sunni religious leaders headed by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian at the Republican Palace. The president condemned what he termed Lebanon's historical 'fatal error' —seeking foreign backing against domestic opponents. 'We all saw the devastating consequences of this approach,' Aoun said. 'Instead, I want to strengthen partnerships with my brothers and allies domestically to counter external threats, regardless of their source.' Aoun cited Israel as exemplifying the divide-and-conquer strategy that, he said, Lebanon must resist through internal unity. 'Our cohesion confronts this approach and addresses all challenges,' he said. The president gave reassurances about the country's future, saying that 'Lebanon is secure, and we will not return to warfare rhetoric. Our framework is Lebanon itself, destined only for stability and prosperity.' Fresh from diplomatic talks in Manama, where Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa on Wednesday announced plans for a permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut, Aoun praised recent interfaith coordination that prevented regional tensions from destabilizing Lebanon. Highlighting the emerging opportunities for Lebanon's recovery, his call was to seize the support offered by Lebanon's regional neighbors. 'We have tremendous prospects ahead of us. You witness how our Arab brothers are extending their hands and approaching us. We must capitalize on these chances and transform our nation's circumstances.' He commended the collaboration between Mufti Derian and the Druze spiritual leader, Sheikh Aql Sami Abi Al-Mona, during Syria's Sweida clashes, calling it evidence of 'elevated national consciousness and profound responsibility.' The president criticized those 'spreading rumors to intimidate citizens against one another,' while celebrating the dual contributions of Lebanon's Sunni community: internal moderation and affirming Lebanon's Arab identity. Aoun praised the community's sacrifices, noting religious and political leaders who died serving Lebanon, from clerics Sheikh Ahmed Assaf, Mufti Hassan Khaled, and Mufti Subhi Al-Saleh, to prime ministers Riad Al-Solh, Rashid Karami, and Rafic Hariri. 'No individual possesses the power to eliminate another in Lebanon, nor does anyone hold superior merit,' Aoun said. 'United, we all serve Lebanon's interests. Divided, we destroy the entire nation, leaving no protection for anyone.' Aoun reported significant progress in government reform, claiming achievements unseen in nearly 15 years — recognition he attributed to international observers. While acknowledging the absence of quick fixes, he emphasized making the most of available opportunities. Addressing corruption — which he identified as Lebanon's core problem alongside impunity — Aoun vowed continued action. 'Corruption recognizes no boundaries of color, sect, or denomination,' he concluded. Meanwhile, Mufti Derian expressed deep concern over the prevailing 'fear and anxiety among the Lebanese,' warning that the country is entering a precarious phase during continued Israeli aggression. He emphasized that UN Resolution 1701, which brought an end to the 2006 war, has been implemented solely by the Lebanese side, while Israel has consistently failed to respect its obligations under the resolution. The November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was intended to revive the terms of UN Resolution 1701, which calls for Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory, a halt to Hezbollah's military operations near the southern border, and full control of arms by the Lebanese state. But little progress has been made. 'Even the ceasefire that followed was unilateral, respected and implemented only by Lebanon. According to what we are witnessing, new agreements are now being proposed. Let Resolution 1701, which encompasses all relevant matters, be implemented in full, and let new agreements be dispensed with,' Mufti Derian said in a call for international accountability. He added: 'The Lebanese people have endured immense hardship in recent years, facing one crisis after another, and yet they have remained resilient. Today, more than ever, they need to feel the presence of a state that stands to protect them.' He reaffirmed support for Aoun in upholding the oath of office, 'which we regard as a vital gateway to rescuing both Lebanon and its people. In this critical moment, we look to you to help steer the country through uncertainty, as citizens grow increasingly anxious over the prospect of renewed Israeli aggression. We stand behind the Arab consensus, whatever all Arabs agree upon, we support,' Mufti Derian told Aoun. He praised Aoun's efforts to restore Lebanon's influential position in the region, citing his regional visits and the trust he enjoys among Arab and international partners. He also commended the president's commitment to preserve stability among Lebanon's diverse communities. 'The voice of moderation and centrism must prevail among all Lebanese,' Derian said, calling for cooperation. Lebanon is facing mounting international pressure to implement the US plan, which calls for setting a timetable for the process of restricting arms to the state in implementation of the ceasefire agreement. US Special Envoy Tom Barrack highlighted the issue on Wednesday upon his departure from Lebanon after a three-day visit filled with meetings with Lebanese officials. Barrack confirmed from Beirut airport that 'there is no deadline for this, and your neighbors are the ones who set the timetable, not the United States,' referring to Israel. On the security front, the Central Internal Security Council convened a high-level meeting, bringing together senior military, security, and judicial officials. Lebanon's Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar emphasized the importance of sustained field operations, calling for intensified patrols and a reinforced security presence in Lebanese regions to uphold internal stability. He also highlighted the need to strengthen existing measures along the Syrian border to ensure tighter control and enhanced national security. The Lebanese Army Command announced that army units arrested 78 Syrians at the Assi-Hermel and Chadra-Akkar checkpoints for illegally entering Lebanese territory. The army also said that an Intelligence Directorate patrol raided the homes of wanted individuals in Beirut's southern suburbs, specifically in the Bir al-Abed area, and arrested four citizens.
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia signs $6.4bn investment deals with Syria to boost reconstruction
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has signed investment deals worth $6.4 billion with Syria, marking a significant step in the Kingdom's efforts to re-engage economically with the war-ravaged country and support its reconstruction drive. The agreements, spanning sectors such as real estate, telecommunications, and finance, were unveiled by Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih during the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum held in Damascus on July 25. The forum highlights Saudi Arabia's strong commitment to strengthening Syria's financial landscape. In April, the Kingdom joined Qatar in settling the country's $15 million debt to the World Bank. 'During this forum, we will witness the signing of 47 agreements and memoranda of understanding with a total value approaching SR24 billion ($6.4 billion), said Al-Falih. The deals include $1.07 billion in the telecommunications sector, with Syria's Ministry of Communications and several Saudi telecom companies aiming to deepen bilateral ties. Companies involved in the plans include Saudi Telecom Co., GO Telecom, digital security firm Elm, cybersecurity company Cipher, and education technology firm Classera. In the real estate and infrastructure sectors, deals worth $2.93 billion were announced, including the construction of three new Saudi-financed cement plants to support Syria's reconstruction efforts. The two nations also agreed to enhance cooperation in agriculture. 'In the agricultural sector, we look forward to collaborating in Syria to develop high-quality joint projects, including model farms and processing industries,' said Al-Falih. In finance, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Saudi Tadawul Group and the Damascus Securities Exchange to boost cooperation in the fintech sector. Al-Falih also announced the formation of a Saudi-Syrian Business Council, which is expected to further strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries. Speaking at a separate panel discussion during the forum, Al-Falih said Syria is evolving into a more investment-friendly destination, despite ongoing challenges. 'Syria is leaping forward as an investment-attractive country despite all challenges. Since the beginning of its new era, we have witnessed a genuine desire to provide investment opportunities for Saudi businessmen,' he added.
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Serious gaps remain in joint GCC-EU security efforts
When the Gulf Cooperation Council and EU heads of state and government held their first summit last October, they endorsed the blueprint proposed by their ministers on security cooperation. While the two blocs have been closely engaged for decades, mainly on economic and political issues, it was the first time that they decided to work closely on security, as part of their intention to 'elevate their strategic partnership to the next level,' by working together to safeguard 'global and regional security and prosperity, including preventing the emergence and escalation of conflicts and resolving crises,' according to the joint communique issued at the time. Regional security, whether in the Middle East, Europe or elsewhere, has to be anchored in 'multilateralism, international law and international humanitarian law, as well as sustainable development and prosperity,' in a reference to the weakening, if not total abandonment, of these principles in many parts of the world. Nine months after that summit was held in Brussels, it is appropriate to assess how much has been done in security cooperation. A meeting of experts was held this week in Cambridge, a neutral territory, to evaluate progress. The meeting was organized by the Gulf Research Center, a well-established Saudi-based think tank. The GRC, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is probably the most prolific producer of scholarly and policy-oriented literature on the Gulf. As part of its program, it organizes an annual gathering in Cambridge of academics and policymakers from around the world, to discuss Gulf-related issues over several days of intense deliberations. This year marked the 15th of such convocations; there was more than 400 in attendance. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan opened the meeting, followed by the GCC Secretary-General Jassem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, and other senior officials from the two organizations. Although the GCC-EU security dialogue started only last year, it has made considerable progress in delineating the parameters of cooperation on some specific issues. The summit agreed to 'deepening security cooperation, including on counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber issues, nonproliferation, and disaster preparedness and emergency management.' In meetings held since the summit, the two organizations agreed on detailed frameworks for each of these five security areas; the next step will be their actual implementation. They also agreed to explore cooperation on peacebuilding efforts such as mediation and negotiation, and combating organized crime, drugs, human trafficking, and smuggling. It is no secret that the EU is divided on Gaza Dr. Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg On regional security, mediation and conflict resolution, much has been done, especially by the GCC side, but there are serious gaps given the severity of the ongoing crises. There are at least five areas where the two blocs need to double their efforts to live up to the promises made in the October summit to work together toward safeguarding regional security. First, there is the Gaza genocide. The mass starvation and forced displacement of Palestinians have only intensified in recent months. While GCC states, especially Qatar, have been heavily involved in trying to achieve a ceasefire and allow aid in scale and without hindrance, it is no secret that the EU is divided and, in fact, a few of its members are providing political and material support for the mayhem perpetrated by Israel. Because of the rules of unanimity and weighted majority, the EU has been paralyzed by this division. It has not been able to get its members to agree on an effective course, such as using the leverage of its association agreement with Israel. Rule of weighted majority gives more leverage to large EU member states, who have been able to block action by the organization. In the words of one participant in the Cambridge discussions, the result has left the EU 'sitting on its hands,' satisfied with issuing occasional statements expressing concern about Gaza. Similarly, while good progress has been made on plans for the day after in Gaza by the Arab League, Egypt, and others, the EU has yet to lend effective support for this plan. Second, on the two-state solution, Saudi Arabia and a number of partners are making great efforts. One achievement has been the establishment of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, which includes about 100 countries and organizations from around the world. It has held several substantive meetings dealing with different aspects of this challenge. These efforts are being undermined by Israel so far ruling out negotiations and continuing to change facts on the grounds in the West Bank, including expanding settlements and unleashing unchecked violence against Palestinians. The aim is to make a two-state solution impossible to implement. Although the EU is part of this global alliance, it has yet to use its considerable leverage to get Israel to change course. Third, on the Israel-Iran war, the EU appears to be aligned with the GCC position. Both are pushing for a diplomatic solution and a return to the nuclear talks in order to prevent a likely resumption of hostilities. Both organizations believe that a military solution is not desirable or effective. GCC countries have engaged closely with Damascus Dr. Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg Fourth, on the Syrian Arab Republic, the two groups are aligned and have welcomed the new government, which took charge last December. However, the EU has yet to give tangible support, while GCC countries have stepped up to the plate and engaged closely with Damascus, most recently in the form of the Saudi-Syrian investment forum held in Damascus this week, in addition to substantial humanitarian and development aid by Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries in recent months. The EU is nowhere to be seen in Syria, according to one European participant, instead focusing on the shortcomings of the new government. Fifth, on maritime security, the two sides are working hard to safeguard freedom of navigation and combat illicit activities, but there is little systematic coordination. Considering the now-frequent attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, maritime security has become one of the most urgent areas on which to focus. All GCC states, plus a dozen EU members, are members of the Bahrain-based, US-led 44-member Combined Maritime Forces, the largest international coalition of its kind. It has five task forces operating in the Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea. Separately, both the GCC and EU have their own platforms. The GCC Maritime Operations Coordination Center, also based in Bahrain, coordinates the work of GCC security forces, while the EU has three outfits — Operation Agenor in the Gulf, Operation Atalanta off the Somali Coast, and Operation Aspides in the Red Sea. Although there has been limited practical cooperation in some of these areas, such as maritime security, more needs to be done, and a specifically GCC-EU framework needs to be established soon for coordination of all these efforts. The next summit is expected to be held in Saudi Arabia in 2026, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said last October that he expects to see real progress by the time the next forum convenes in Riyadh. To make that happen, the two sides need to speed up implementation in all areas of the GCC-EU strategic partnership, including security cooperation. To do that, the two sides must double their efforts, especially on the EU side. It is also urgently needed to scale up the currently meagre funds and manpower allocated for this ambitious partnership.
