Eurasia Press & News
Lebanese Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said the group does not object to meeting the Syrian leadership at a time that both sides consider appropriate.
Speaking during an event marking the Arbaeen commemoration for Imam Hussein in the Lebanese city of Baalbek on Tuesday, August 4, Qassem said, “A stable Syria provides support for Lebanon, just as a stable Lebanon provides support for Syria.” He also stressed the importance of strengthening the “fraternal relationship” between the two countries.
Qassem emphasized the need for positive cooperation between Syria and Lebanon, expressing hope that Syria would succeed in “establishing justice and cooperation among all its components, remain united, and expel the enemy from its occupied territories.”
He also expressed hope that “displaced Syrians in Lebanon and other areas will return to their country honored and dignified, God willing.”
Qassem’s remarks followed positive messages from Damascus indicating openness to dialogue with the Iran-aligned group, which had maintained an alliance with the former Syrian regime.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said in an interview with al-Mashhad television on June 21 that he believed in dialogue, arguing that closing the door to talks would mean moving toward war.
He said Syria wanted to resolve the Hezbollah issue and ensure that Lebanon remained viable, adding that Damascus was ready to sit down with all parties.
Al-Sharaa also said he believed the time had come for the region to end the period of wars and conflicts and move toward development and reconstruction. He added that efforts were underway to find a safe solution for Lebanon and open new channels in the coming period.
The Syrian statements were not limited to al-Sharaa. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani also said Damascus was open to meeting Hezbollah if such a meeting served the national interest.
Al-Shaibani made the remarks during a press conference following his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri during a visit to Lebanon in early July. At the same time, he denied that the issue had been discussed during his meeting with Berri.
Former Assad Ally
Hezbollah intervened alongside the Assad regime in suppressing the Syrian revolution after it developed into an armed uprising.
Hezbollah fighters committed several crimes and violations in Syria that were marked by a sectarian character. The group also controlled several matters involving state sovereignty along the border with Lebanon, with support from Tehran, which backed the Assad regime.
Although Syria’s new government has accused Hezbollah of being behind several armed cells discovered in Syria recently, Damascus has continued to support stability in Lebanon by encouraging the Lebanese state to assert control over the country’s security affairs.
Ahmed al-Sharaa also explained Damascus’ position on involvement in Lebanese affairs following repeated statements by U.S. President Donald Trump urging him to confront Hezbollah.
During his interview with al-Mashhad, al-Sharaa discussed Damascus’ view of the Lebanese crisis and the role Syria could play in supporting stability and finding political solutions. He also addressed relations with various Lebanese forces and the importance of dialogue in resolving outstanding issues.
