Latest news with #Ron Dermer
CNA
a day ago
- Politics
- CNA
Syrian, Israeli diplomats met in Paris to discuss de-escalation: Syrian state media
DAMASCUS: Syria's foreign minister met with an Israeli delegation in Paris to discuss de-escalation and the situation in Druze-majority Sweida province after deadly sectarian violence last month, state media reported on Wednesday (Aug 20). Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer attended the meeting on Tuesday, along with Syria's intelligence chief, Syrian state television said, citing an unnamed government source. The meeting discussed "de-escalation and non-interference in Syria's internal affairs" and addressed monitoring the Sweida ceasefire announced by the United States last month, state news agency SANA said. "Both sides affirmed their commitment to the unity of Syrian territory, their rejection of any projects aiming to divide it," and emphasised that Sweida and its Druze citizens are an integral part of Syria, the broadcaster reported the source as saying. A week of violence began on Jul 13 with clashes between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin, but rapidly escalated, drawing in government forces, with Israel also carrying out strikes. Israel, which has its own Druze community, has said it acted to defend the minority group as well as to enforce its own demands for the demilitarisation of southern Syria. "These talks are taking place under US mediation, as part of diplomatic efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in Syria and preserving the unity and integrity of its territory," SANA said, adding they resulted in "understandings that support stability in the region". "MORE STABLE ENVIRONMENT" Israel and Syria have technically remained at war since 1948. As an Islamist-led offensive late last year toppled longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, Israel deployed troops to the UN-patrolled buffer zone on the Golan Heights which has separated Israeli and Syrian forces since the armistice that followed the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. State television said "the two sides discussed the need to reach a clear mechanism to reactivate the 1974 disengagement agreement ... and establish a more stable environment". Discussions also addressed the humanitarian situation in southern Syria, with both parties agreeing on "the need to intensify assistance for the people of Sweida and the Bedouin", it reported. Hundreds demonstrated in Sweida on Saturday, calling for self-determination and some raising Israeli flags and accusing Damascus of imposing a blockade, something officials have denied, pointing to the entry of several aid convoys. Paris hosted a similar meeting between Shaibani and Dermer last month, while a diplomatic source previously told AFP that other face-to-face meetings were held in Baku. US envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack said on X late Tuesday that he met with Israeli Druze spiritual leader Mowafaq Tarif, discussing Sweida "and how to bring together the interests of all parties, de-escalate tensions, and build understanding".
Jordan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Syrian, Israeli diplomats met in Paris to discuss de-escalation — Syrian state media
Damascus — Syria's foreign minister met with an Israeli delegation in Paris to discuss de-escalation and the situation in Druze-majority Sweida province after deadly sectarian violence last month, state media reported Wednesday. Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer attended the meeting on Tuesday, along with Syria's intelligence chief, Syrian state television said, citing an unnamed government source. The meeting discussed "de-escalation and non-interference in Syria's internal affairs" and addressed monitoring the Sweida ceasefire announced by the United States last month, state news agency SANA said. "Both sides affirmed their commitment to the unity of Syrian territory, their rejection of any projects aiming to divide it," and emphasised that Sweida and its Druze citizens are an integral part of Syria, the broadcaster reported the source as saying. A week of violence began on July 13 with clashes between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin, but rapidly escalated, drawing in government forces, with Israel also carrying out strikes. Israel, which has its own Druze community, has said it acted to defend the minority group as well as to enforce its own demands for the demilitarisation of southern Syria. "These talks are taking place under US mediation, as part of diplomatic efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in Syria and preserving the unity and integrity of its territory," SANA said, adding they resulted in "understandings that support stability in the region". 'More stable environment' Israel and Syria have technically remained at war since 1948. As an Islamist-led offensive late last year toppled longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, Israel deployed troops to the UN-patrolled buffer zone on the Golan Heights which has separated Israeli and Syrian forces since the armistice that followed the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. State television said "the two sides discussed the need to reach a clear mechanism to reactivate the 1974 disengagement agreement... and establish a more stable environment". Discussions also addressed the humanitarian situation in southern Syria, with both parties agreeing on "the need to intensify assistance for the people of Sweida and the Bedouin", it reported. Hundreds demonstrated in Sweida on Saturday, calling for self-determination and some raising Israeli flags and accusing Damascus of imposing a blockade, something officials have denied, pointing to the entry of several aid convoys. Paris hosted a similar meeting between Shaibani and Dermer last month, while a diplomatic source previously told AFP that other face-to-face meetings were held in Baku. US envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack said on X late Tuesday that he met with Israeli Druze spiritual leader Mowafaq Tarif, discussing Sweida "and how to bring together the interests of all parties, de-escalate tensions, and build understanding".
Arab News
a day ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Syrian, Israeli diplomats met in Paris to discuss de-escalation: Syrian state media
DAMASCUS: Syria's foreign minister met with an Israeli delegation in Paris to discuss de-escalation and the situation in Druze-majority Sweida province after deadly sectarian violence last month, state media reported Wednesday. Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer attended the meeting on Tuesday, along with Syria's intelligence chief, Syrian state television said, citing an unnamed government source. The meeting discussed 'de-escalation and non-interference in Syria's internal affairs' and addressed monitoring the Sweida ceasefire announced by the United States last month, state news agency SANA said. 'Both sides affirmed their commitment to the unity of Syrian territory, their rejection of any projects aiming to divide it,' and emphasized that Sweida and its Druze citizens are an integral part of Syria, the broadcaster reported the source as saying. A week of violence began on July 13 with clashes between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin, but rapidly escalated, drawing in government forces, with Israel also carrying out strikes. Israel, which has its own Druze community, has said it acted to defend the minority group as well as to enforce its own demands for the demilitarization of southern Syria. 'These talks are taking place under US mediation, as part of diplomatic efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in Syria and preserving the unity and integrity of its territory,' SANA said, adding they resulted in 'understandings that support stability in the region.' Israel and Syria have technically remained at war since 1948. As an Islamist-led offensive late last year toppled longtime Syrian ruler Bashar Assad, Israel deployed troops to the UN-patrolled buffer zone on the Golan Heights which has separated Israeli and Syrian forces since the armistice that followed the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. State television said 'the two sides discussed the need to reach a clear mechanism to reactivate the 1974 disengagement agreement... and establish a more stable environment.' Discussions also addressed the humanitarian situation in southern Syria, with both parties agreeing on 'the need to intensify assistance for the people of Sweida and the Bedouin,' it reported. Hundreds demonstrated in Sweida on Saturday, calling for self-determination and some raising Israeli flags and accusing Damascus of imposing a blockade, something officials have denied, pointing to the entry of several aid convoys. Paris hosted a similar meeting between Shaibani and Dermer last month, while a diplomatic source previously told AFP that other face-to-face meetings were held in Baku. US envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack said on X late Tuesday that he met with Israeli Druze spiritual leader Mowafaq Tarif, discussing Sweida 'and how to bring together the interests of all parties, de-escalate tensions, and build understanding.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Dermer-Syria Paris meeting on Druze humanitarian corridor postponed
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani are now likely to meet next week, sources told N12. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani were slated to meet in Paris on Wednesday, but the meeting has been postponed in order to provide additional time to prepare for the discussions, according to two sources familiar with the matter speaking to N12 on Tuesday. Dermer and Shaibani were originally believed to be meeting in order to discuss a humanitarian aid corridor allowing Israel to provide aid to Syria's Druze community, and are now likely to meet next week, the sources added. The two officials, along with US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack, previously held talks in Paris on July 24 during the eruption of fighting between Druze and local Bedouin tribes in the city of Sweida in southern Syria, leading to Israel striking Damascus and government forces alongside the Bedouins in an effort to protect the Druze population. Delegations led by Dermer and Shaibani also met in Baku, Azerbaijan, on July 31 to discuss the security situation in southern Syria, including Sweida. Dermer, who has led Israel's negotiating team in hostage deal talks, intends to retire from politics in the coming months, senior government officials told Israel Hayom on Monday. The officials reported that while Dermer has not set a departure date, he might stay on for a few short-term diplomatic efforts before officially resigning. It's also possible that he could resign sooner. Washington's position on hostage deal is 'all or nothing' During Israel's Security Cabinet meeting on Thursday evening, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal to occupy Gaza City was approved, Dermer told ministers that Washington's position on a hostage deal, as conveyed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff to the families of hostages, was "all or nothing," Ynet reported. Amichai Stein and Reuters contributed to this report. Solve the daily Crossword
LBCI
14-08-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Israel pushes for Syria ‘humanitarian corridor' amid ongoing cross-border operations
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar In a new step toward seizing Syrian territory, Israel has turned to the United States to support its request to establish what it calls a 'humanitarian corridor from Israel to Sweida,' citing the need to support the Druze community there, and urging Washington to persuade the Syrian government to approve it. Under Israel's plan, the corridor would stretch for dozens of kilometers from the border to Sweida, delivering aid, including medicine. The request followed reports of a postponed meeting in Paris that was to bring together Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, and U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barrack. Israel had previously sought to deliver aid to Sweida through Jordan, but Amman refused, prompting the Israeli army to airdrop supplies. Washington continues to push for the establishment of the corridor, but the Syrian government has rejected the proposal, expressing to the U.S. its concerns that the route could be exploited to smuggle weapons. Meanwhile, contrary to Israeli claims of working to reduce tensions, the Israeli army continues its operations on the Syrian front. The Golani Brigade recently carried out an operation in southern Syria that included seizing weapons and arresting individuals accused of ties to terrorism. The Israeli military has threatened to intensify these operations, citing the need to protect Israel's security and the settlements in the Golan Heights — a stance that runs counter to de-escalation efforts along the northern front.
