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Al-Ahram Weekly
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Syria back at the table with Israel - World - Al-Ahram Weekly
Do the first talks between Syria and Israel in a quarter century hold any real prospects for peace Meetings between Syria and Israel under US auspices have resumed after a 25-year hiatus. In the past quarter-century, Washington has served as the main sponsor of the 'political solution' to the Arab-Israeli conflict. The most recent meeting, chaired by Tom Barrack, the US special envoy for Syria, was held in Paris and marked the second such encounter following an earlier meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, during Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa's visit on 12 July. According to many reports, the Paris meeting — described as 'honest and responsible' — did not produce tangible results but paved the way to a new round of talks between Syria and Israel. Damascus had earlier confirmed indirect contact with Israel aimed at returning to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, which established a buffer zone that Israel has occupied for the past several months. The Syrian delegation included Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Sheibani and representatives of the General Intelligence Service, according to the official Syrian News Agency. On the Israeli side, Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi were present, according to the Israeli English-language news site Yedioth Ahronoth. The discussions centred on the possibility of reactivating the disengagement agreement with international guarantees, alongside Syria's demand for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from the positions they have recently occupied. Following the ouster of Bashar Al-Assad in December, Israel occupied a UN-monitored buffer zone that had separated the two countries' forces in the strategic Golan Heights. Since then, Israeli forces have advanced deeper into southern Syria, calling for the complete demilitarisation of the area. Syria and Israel have been officially at war since 1948. Israel has occupied the Syrian Golan Heights since 1967. Following Al-Assad's removal, Israel launched hundreds of air strikes across Syria, violating Syrian sovereignty in what it claimed were efforts to prevent weapons from reaching the newly established Islamist authorities. This month, Israel launched air strikes on Damascus and the Druze-majority province of Sweida, portraying itself as a protector of the Druze minority. Many observers view this as a pretext to push Syrian government forces further away from the occupied Golan Heights. In Sweida, southern Syria, armed Bedouin tribes clashed with Druze forces. The new Islamist regime in Damascus joined the conflict. The fighting resulted in over 1,000 deaths, more than two-thirds of them Druze, and displaced more than 128,000 people who fled their homes in fear of continued violence. The crisis was resolved when government forces and Sunni Bedouin tribes withdrew from the area and Sweida came under a form of local administration, though the extent of its autonomy vis-à-vis Damascus remains unclear. During the recent meeting, the Syrian delegation said 'national unity and territorial integrity are non-negotiable,' stressing that 'Sweida and its people are an integral part of the Syrian state.' A report by Yedioth Ahronoth, citing the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, indicated that the talks also addressed a potential US-backed arrangement for Sweida. Under the emerging proposal, pro-regime forces would withdraw beyond Druze-inhabited areas, with local Druze groups conducting verification sweeps to ensure compliance. The draft agreement also calls for the establishment of local councils in Sweida to provide civil services, the formation of a joint committee to monitor violations and report directly to the US, and the demilitarisation of the Quneitra and Daraa governorates, both bordering Israel. In these areas, local security committees with no access to heavy weaponry would replace current armed forces. UN agencies would be granted access to Sweida, while groups affiliated with the Syrian regime would be prohibited from operating there. No international media outlets have reported any concrete discussions of peace between Syria and Israel, despite earlier reports of US-mediated contacts aimed at reaching an agreement between the two countries. Absent from these reports is any mention of what Damascus might receive in return for normalisation. Would it be the full restoration of the Golan Heights? A partial Israeli withdrawal from the buffer zone occupied after the fall of Al-Assad? Or simply a tacit Israeli guarantee not to target the new Islamist regime, allowing it to entrench itself and expand its authority countrywide? Al-Sharaa's government remains in a precarious position. It engaged in heavy fighting with Alawite militias in their coastal strongholds, clashed with Druze forces, experienced tensions with Christian communities — in the events known as the Maaloula incident — and continues to grapple with mutual distrust in its relationship with the Kurds. Not all Syrian Sunnis — the majority demographic in the country — support Islamist movements. Significant segments of Syria's business elite, often referred to as the Merchants of Damascus and Aleppo, along with the middle class, had benefited from the stability of the Assad regime for five decades. Many observers believe the complete return of the Golan Heights is highly unlikely, given that the idea had provoked the anger of Israeli extremists and led to the assassination of prime minister Yitzhak Rabin who was close to concluding a deal with Hafez Al-Assad that would have returned the Golan Heights to Syria in exchange for full normalisation. Rabin's assassination has since become a psychological and political constraint on Israeli leaders in any negotiations with Syria. The idea of dividing the Golan Heights also appears unworkable. Some Israeli and Western reports have floated the notion of splitting the territory into three zones: one under Syrian control, one under Israeli sovereignty, and a third whose status would be resolved at a later stage. However, such a division is widely seen as impractical. Since its occupation in 1967, the Golan Heights have become a hub of Israeli vineyard and wine production, as well as a popular domestic tourism destination despite the persistent opposition of the region's Druze population — numbering more than 30,000 — who continue to reject Israeli nationality, identify as Syrian Arabs, and maintain close ties with their Druze counterparts in Syria. On the other hand, Al-Sharaa's regime would face internal backlash if it agreed to any deal that did not involve the return of the Golan Heights, or at least part of it. Such a concession would position it below Al-Assad's regime, which consistently refused any peace deal that excluded the Golan Heights. * A version of this article appears in print in the 6 August, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Daily News Egypt
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Al-Sisi calls for unified efforts to hold elections in Libya, urges withdrawal of foreign forces
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi reaffirmed Cairo's unwavering support for Libya's unity and sovereignty during a meeting on Sunday with Aguila Saleh, Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency. The talks, attended by Egypt's General Intelligence Service chief Hassan Rashad and Saleh's political adviser Hamid Al-Safi, focused on the latest developments in Libya and ongoing efforts to reach a comprehensive political settlement. Presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that President Al-Sisi emphasised Egypt's continued coordination with all Libyan stakeholders and international partners to push for an inclusive political resolution. He underscored the importance of holding simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections as a foundation for long-term stability. Al-Sisi reiterated that Libya's security is intrinsically linked to Egypt's own national security, stressing the urgent need for the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libyan territory to facilitate the restoration of state institutions. He also expressed Egypt's readiness to contribute to Libya's reconstruction efforts, offering to share its developmental expertise and experience in state-building. Speaker Saleh praised Egypt's historic role in supporting Libya's national institutions, describing Cairo's position as a 'cornerstone' for advancing the political process and restoring stability. He welcomed Egypt's continued engagement in helping to prepare for national elections. The meeting with Saleh came shortly after President Al-Sisi held separate talks in the coastal city of El Alamein with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA). During that meeting, Al-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to preserving Libya's territorial integrity and countering external interference. He stressed the need to develop a unified political roadmap that enables synchronised national elections. Haftar, in turn, expressed his appreciation for Egypt's pivotal role in supporting Libyan security and stability, commending Cairo's longstanding efforts since the onset of the crisis. Libya remains politically fractured, with rival governments and military forces vying for control in the east and west of the country. Despite sustained international calls for unification, long-delayed presidential and parliamentary elections have yet to be held.
See - Sada Elbalad
05-07-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Sisi Reaffirms Egypt's Support for Libya's Unity, Political Stability
Nada Mustafa President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received today the Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh, in the presence of Hamid Al-Safi, Political Advisor to the Speaker, and Major General Hassan Rashed, Head of Egypt's General Intelligence Service. Official Presidential Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shinawy stated that the meeting focused on the latest developments in Libya. President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's unwavering support for Libya and its national institutions, emphasizing the importance of preserving Libya's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Moreover, he stressed the need for unifying efforts to reach a comprehensive political settlement that paves the way for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections as soon as possible, in line with the aspirations of the Libyan people for stability, security, and a dignified life. Sisi also affirmed Egypt's commitment to continuing its efforts and coordination with all Libyan parties and international stakeholders, based on Egypt's belief in the necessity of stability in Libya. He noted that Libya's political and security stability is an integral part of Egypt's own stability. In this regard, Sisi underscored the importance of the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Libyan territory, as a step toward enhancing security and enabling Libyan institutions to perform their role in establishing nationwide stability. Furthermore, Sisi expressed Egypt's interest in contributing to the reconstruction of Libya and sharing its development expertise to support Libya's development path. For his part, Saleh expressed deep appreciation for the historic and brotherly relations between Libya and Egypt, and for President Sisi's role, as well as the efforts of Egyptian institutions, in supporting Libya's unity and the cohesion of its national institutions. He affirmed that Egypt's support constitutes a cornerstone for restoring security and stability in Libya and steering the country through its transitional phase toward holding the upcoming elections. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
See - Sada Elbalad
05-07-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Sisi Reaffirms Support for Libya's Unity, Sovereignty
H-Tayea Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has reaffirmed Egypt's unwavering support for Libya's sovereignty and unity, stressing the urgent need for all foreign forces to withdraw from Libyan territory to enable lasting peace and stability. President El-Sisi made these remarks during a meeting on Saturday with Aguila Saleh, Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives, which was also attended by Hamid Al-Safi, Political Advisor to the Speaker, and Major General Hassan Rashad, Chief of Egypt's General Intelligence Service. Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed El-Shenawy stated that the talks focused on the latest developments in Libya. President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's firm backing for Libya's national institutions and called for unified efforts to achieve a comprehensive political settlement that would enable simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections at the earliest opportunity, reflecting the aspirations of the Libyan people for peace, security, and prosperity. President El-Sisi emphasized Egypt's ongoing commitment to coordinating with all Libyan parties and international stakeholders to ensure Libya's political and security stability, which he described as inseparable from Egypt's own national security. He strongly underlined the necessity of a complete withdrawal of all foreign forces from Libya to safeguard its sovereignty and to empower national institutions to restore order and stability across the entire country. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Libyan Express
02-07-2025
- Business
- Libyan Express
Libya's eastern government visits Belarus
Alexander Turchin and Osama Hammad during their meeting Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin has reaffirmed his country's commitment to expanding cooperation with Libya, particularly in agriculture, industry, and healthcare sectors. During a meeting on Tuesday with Osama Hammad, the Prime Minister of Libya's eastern-based parallel government, Turchin emphasised the growing momentum in bilateral relations. According to the Belarusian state news agency BelTA, this marked the fourth high-level dialogue between the two sides within four months, underscoring their mutual interest in strengthening longstanding ties. Turchin said he was acting on directives from Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to pursue tangible economic projects that would benefit both nations. He identified key areas for collaboration including agriculture, food security, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, education, human capital development, disaster management, and emergency response. Libya remains deeply affected by political fragmentation and instability since the 2011 uprising that ended Muammar Gaddafi's rule. The country is currently divided between rival administrations: a UN-recognized government based in Tripoli and a parallel authority controlling the eastern region, backed by military commander Khalifa Haftar. The eastern government, which Hammad represents, is actively seeking international partnerships to stabilize and rebuild the nation's economy and infrastructure. Belarus's engagement with Libya fits within a broader strategy to diversify its diplomatic and economic relations beyond traditional partners. For Libya, collaboration with Belarus offers opportunities to strengthen critical sectors. Agriculture and food security are priorities, given Libya's heavy reliance on imports and the need to boost local production. Efforts to revive manufacturing and industry aim to rebuild war-damaged infrastructure and stimulate job creation. Meanwhile, healthcare and pharmaceuticals are crucial for addressing ongoing public health challenges. Hammad's visit to Belarus, his first official trip to the country, began on Monday with a delegation that includes senior officials from Haftar's camp. Among them were Khairi Al-Tamimi, Secretary-General of Khalifa Haftar's General Command; Suleiman Al-Abar, Deputy Head of the General Intelligence Service; Abdulhadi Al-Hweij, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; and Sami Al-Dhawi, Minister of Local Governance. The visit aims to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation, signaling a shared determination to advance joint economic and developmental projects. For Belarus, Libya represents a strategic partner in North Africa where it hopes to expand its influence and economic footprint.
