Syria's Sharaa to British Official: We Are Open to Any Initiative that Leads to Regional Stability
Sharaa stressed that Syria is open to any sincere initiatives aimed at achieving regional security and stability, on condition that they support his country's sovereignty and independent voice.
The meeting was attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and head of intelligence Hussein al-Salama.
Britain announced in July that it was restoring diplomatic relations with Syria. Its foreign minister David Lammy visited Damascus in July to hold talks with Sharaa. It was the first visit by a British foreign secretary in 14 years.
He 'emphasized that the UK will support the Syrian Government to deliver its commitments to build a more secure and prosperous future for Syrians, increasing security in the wider region and the UK,' said a statement from the British government at the time.
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Al Arabiya
an hour ago
- Al Arabiya
Thousands protest in Tel Aviv against Israeli govt move to expand Gaza war
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Asharq Al-Awsat
2 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Israel Faces Growing Global Condemnation over Military Expansion in Gaza
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'Shut the country down' Families of hostages were rallying again Saturday evening to pressure the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid new fears over the 50 remaining hostages, with 20 of them thought to be alive and struggling. 'The living will be murdered and the fallen will be lost forever' if the offensive goes ahead, said Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is held in Gaza. She called on Israelis to 'help us save the hostages, the soldiers and the state of Israel ... Shut the country down.' A joint statement by nine countries including Germany, Britain, France and Canada said that the 'strongly reject' Israel's decision for the large-scale military operation, saying it will worsen the 'catastrophic humanitarian situation," endanger hostages and further risk mass displacement. They said any attempts at annexation or settlement in Gaza violate international law. A separate statement by more than 20 countries including ceasefire mediators Egypt and Qatar along with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates called Israel's decision a 'dangerous and unacceptable escalation.' Meanwhile, Russia said Israel's plan will aggravate the 'already extremely dramatic situation' in Gaza. The UN Security Council planned an emergency meeting Sunday. And Germany has said it won't authorize any exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza until further notice. Killed while seeking aid Officials at Nasser and Awda hospitals said that Israeli forces killed at least 11 people seeking aid in southern and central Gaza. Some had been waiting for aid trucks, while others had been approaching aid distribution points. Israel's military denied opening fire and said that it was unaware of the incidents. 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Footage from Italy's defense ministry showed not only packages being parachuted over Gaza but the dry and devastated landscape below. 'This way is not for humans, it is for animals,' said one man at the scene, Mahmoud Hawila, who said he was stabbed while trying to secure an airdropped package. Barefoot children collected rice, pasta and lentils that had spilled from packages onto the ground. The United Nations and partners, whose existing aid delivery system has been criticized by Israel, has called repeatedly for more of the trucks waiting outside Gaza to be allowed not just into the territory, but safely to destinations inside it for distribution. More deaths from hunger Gaza's Health Ministry said that 11 more adults died of malnutrition-related causes over the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 114 since it began counting such adult deaths in late June. 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Arab News
6 hours ago
- Arab News
Armenians and Azerbaijanis greet US-brokered peace deal with hope but also caution
YEREVAN, Armenia: Residents and politicians in Armenia and Azerbaijan responded Saturday with cautious hope — and skepticism in some cases — after their leaders signed a US-brokered agreement at the White House aimed at ending decades of hostilities. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed the agreement on Friday in the presence of US President Donald Trump, who stood between the leaders as they shook hands — a gesture Trump reinforced by clasping their hands together. While the agreement does not constitute a formal peace treaty, it represents a significant diplomatic step toward normalization of relations. The two countries remain technically at war, and the deal does not resolve the longstanding dispute over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. It does, however, reflect the shifting power dynamics following Azerbaijan's 2023 military victory, which forced the withdrawal of Armenian forces and ethnic Armenians from the region. Among the agreement's provisions is the creation of a new transit corridor, dubbed the 'Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity,' highlighting a changing geopolitical landscape amid declining Russian influence in the South Caucasus. Nagorno-Karabakh has been at the heart of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict since the Soviet Union's collapse. Although internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, the mountainous region was controlled for decades by ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia. Two wars — in the early 1990s and again in 2020 — left tens of thousands dead and displaced. In 2023, Azerbaijan regained control of most of the territory in a swift offensive. Hopeful for peace and a weaker Moscow Ali Karimli, head of the opposition People's Front of Azerbaijan Party, wrote on Facebook that the signing of the agreement 'has undoubtedly brought Azerbaijan and Armenia significantly closer to peace,' and noted that it delivered 'another blow … to Russia's influence in the South Caucasus,' while deepening ties with the US Arif Hajjili, chairman of Azerbaijani opposition party Musavat, said he believed that 'the most positive aspect of the initialing in Washington was the absence of Russia from the process.' He said lasting stability in the region hinges on the continual dwindling of Russian power, which 'depends on the outcome of the Russian‑Ukrainian war.' Hajjili also warned of lingering challenges, including Armenia's economic dependence on Russia and some 2 million Azerbaijanis living in Russia. 'Russia will continue to use these factors as levers of pressure,' he said. Hope on the streets of Azerbaijan's capital 'We have been waiting for a long time for this agreement to be signed,' a resident of Baku, Gunduz Aliyev, told The Associated Press. 'We did not trust our neighbor, Armenia. That's why a strong state was needed to act as a guarantor. Russia couldn't do it, but the United States succeeded.' 'The US is taking full responsibility for security. This will bring peace and stability,' said another, Ali Mammadov. 'Borders will open soon, and normal relations with Armenia will be established.' Abulfat Jafarov, also in Baku, expressed gratitude to all three leaders involved. 'Peace is always a good thing,' he said. 'We welcome every step taken toward progress.' More divided views in the Armenian capital Some people in Yerevan were unsure of the meaning of the agreement. 'I feel uncertain because much still needs clarification. There are unclear aspects, and although the prime minister of Armenia made some statements from the US, more details are needed,' Edvard Avoyan said. But entrepreneur Hrach Ghasumyan could see economic benefits. 'If gas and oil pipelines pass through Armenia and railway routes are opened, it would be beneficial for the country,' he said. 'Until now, all major routes have passed through Georgia, leaving Armenia sidelined and economically limited.' Others were skeptical that peace could be achieved, and expressed discontent with the terms of the agreement. 'That declaration is unlikely to bring real peace to the region, and we are well aware of Azerbaijan's stance,' Ruzanna Ghazaryan said. 'This initial agreement offers us nothing; the concessions are entirely one-sided.'
