Latest news with #highleveltalks
Al Mayadeen
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Mayadeen
US backs Syria-Israeli talks, disarmament of Resistance: NYT
Damascus and Tel Aviv are engaged in high-level talks aimed at "restoring calm", according to Thomas J. Barrack Jr, a top Middle East envoy for US President Donald Trump, with Washington actively supporting the discussions as part of its regional stabilization efforts. In an interview with The New York Times, Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria, expressed the American administration's desire for Syria to join normalization agreements. However, he cautioned that the process could take time, as Syria's new president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, might face domestic resistance. Barrack warned that this process could take time, as Syria's new president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, might face resistance at home. Additionally, he emphasized that al-Sharaa cannot be perceived by his people as pressured or compelled into normalization, which is why he needs to move cautiously. The envoy claimed that "everyone in this region respects only strength, and Trump has proven that America's strength is a prerequisite for peace," while also pointing out that "progress in democratic transformation and inclusive governance will not happen quickly, and these are not part of the American criteria." In a related context, US officials expressed concern about the thousands of foreign fighters who entered Syria to join the war. Barrack explained that Washington has recognized "Syria cannot expel those who remain within its borders, and that they may pose a threat to the new government if marginalized," which is why the Trump administration expects transparency regarding their assigned roles. On the topic of Trump's executive order ending decades of US sanctions on Syria, Barrack explained, "that rather than imposing strict demands, the administration has set achievable goals for the Syrian government to work toward while Washington monitors their progress." He added that these benchmarks include "achieving a peaceful settlement with Israel, integrating the US-backed Kurdish-led militias controlling northeast Syria, and investigating the fate of Americans lost during the war." Barrack stated that "lifting sanctions to encourage change had proven more effective than maintaining them until Syria meets specific demands," while acknowledging that the successive sanctions regimes had never achieved their intended results. On another front, Barrack described the ceasefire in Lebanon as a "complete failure," explaining that "Israel continues to bomb Lebanon while Hezbollah violates the agreement's terms." Barrack claimed that "disarming Hezbollah requires a carrot-and-stick approach, in additional to having the Lebanese Army conduct house-to-house weapons searches." Barrack suggested that "this process could provoke backlash from Shiite communities, which have long viewed Hezbollah as Lebanon's defender and the vanguard of resistance against Israel," emphasizing the potential for widespread discontent.
News.com.au
15-07-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Anthony Albanese meets Xi Jinping in Beijing
Anthony Albanese and Xi Jinping have met in Beijing, kicking off high level talks as Australia and China strive to focus on economic co-operation rather than their increasingly militaristic regional rivalry. The Chinese President, smiling, greeted his Australian guest in the East Hall - one of the many spacious ornate chambers in the Great Hall of the People. With the Australian and Chinese national flags adorning the walls, it was a welcome befitting the charm offensive waged on the Prime Minister since landing over the weekend. The leaders seated opposite a long polished table, Mr Xi praised Mr Albanese for fostering stronger ties. He pointed to past meetings as 'in depth discussions on the strategic overarching issues critical to the direction of China-Australia relations' 'And we've reached many common understandings with efforts from both sides,' Mr Xi said. 'The most important thing we can learn from this is that a commitment to equal treatment, to seeking common ground while sharing differences, pursuing mutually beneficial co-operation, for our countries and peoples.' Mr Albanese was keen to echo his host. 'It is my pleasure to meet with you again here today,' he said, adding that he 'very much' appreciated the Chinese hospitality. 'I note your comments in your opening remarks about seeking common ground while sharing differences,' he said. 'That approach has indeed produced very positive benefits for both Australia and for China.' Mr Albanese has been careful not to pre-empt how his meeting with the world's second-most powerful leader would go. He had a cruisey first leg of his state visit spruiking Australia's economic offerings and being wooed by Chinese officials and business leaders in the glitzy beauty of central Shanghai. But chasmic differences remain and both sides have indicated they will raise them despite efforts to keep things positive. Mr Albanese said he was looking forward to a 'productive conversation'. He said: 'Australia values our relationship with China, and we'll continue to approach it in a calm and consistent manner guided by our national interest. 'It is in our national interest, and indeed, in the interest of the region as well. 'It is important that we have these direct discussions on issues that matter to us, and to the stability and prosperity of our region. 'As you and I have agreed previously, dialogue needs to be at the centre of our relationship, and I welcome the opportunity to set out Australia's views and interests and our thinking on how we can maintain peace, security, stability and prosperity in our region.'
