Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa made statements on a range of important issues in an interview with Qatar-based Al Jazeera television, from sanctions imposed on his country to relations with Russia, from Lebanon to Israel and Gulf states.
The sanctions lifting process
Al-Sharaa noted that Saudi Arabia and Turkey mediated last year to lift sanctions on Syria, and said, 'President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan engaged the US in this process.'
Stressing that US President Donald Trump played an important role in lifting sanctions, the Syrian leader stated, 'Most of the sanctions were imposed because of crimes committed by the deposed Baath regime. It was not logical for the Syrian people, who got rid of the old regime, to remain subject to the same sanctions.'
Al-Sharaa noted that not only the lifting of the 'Caesar Act' but also the removal of Syria from the US list of 'state sponsors of terrorism'—where it has been since 1979—is critically important. Indicating that the Trump administration has taken steps in this direction, al-Sharaa said the process is ongoing with the US State Department and Congress, and the decision will take effect after the objection period is completed.
A 'new chapter' with Russia
Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that contacts with Russia began months before the overthrow of the Assad regime and that bilateral relations are now being rebuilt on the basis of mutual interests.
The Syrian President reported that negotiations on Russian military bases are continuing, adding that an agreement has been reached to consolidate many Russian facilities around a single base, while discussions on the future of the Hmeimim Air Base and some facilities in Tartus are ongoing.
'We are opening a new chapter with Russia,' al-Sharaa said, stressing that Moscow has ties not only with the former regime but also with the Syrian state, and that the two countries have historical relations dating back to the Soviet Union era.
Lebanon's stability is in Syria's interest
Saying that Lebanon's security and stability directly affect Syria, al-Sharaa noted that the two countries have strategic interests. Stating that Lebanon has for years been caught between the Israeli threat and the risk of internal conflict, al-Sharaa said Damascus is working with the Beirut government to find solutions that will contribute to the country's stability.
Arguing that non-state armed groups create serious problems in the region and that war and peace decisions should be solely in the hands of states, al-Sharaa claimed that Hezbollah has taken part in the war in Syria in recent years and still maintains its armed wing.
Emphasizing that Lebanon's problems can be solved by strengthening state institutions, al-Sharaa said Syria does not contemplate military intervention in Lebanon but could offer opportunities to help Beirut fulfill its obligations. 'Lebanon's stability is in Syria's interest,' he said.
'Gradual progress' possible in relations with Israel
The Syrian President underlined that the negotiations between Lebanon and Israel and the security consultations Damascus is conducting with Israel are different processes. Touching on the importance of establishing a permanent security system in the region, al-Sharaa said Syria closely monitors Israel's policies and aims to create a more balanced environment through multilateral security agreements.
Stating that if the security agreements are successful, a broader peace process could be launched in the future, al-Sharaa stressed that this would not mean Syria is giving up its rights over the occupied Golan Heights. 'Gradual progress can be achieved in relations with Israel,' he said.
Risk of regional war and Arab League decisions
Also touching on tensions between Iran and Israel, al-Sharaa noted that conflict management methods could increase the risk of turning into a regional war. Saying Syria will act within the framework of the Arab League's joint decisions, al-Sharaa stressed that preserving stability in the region is one of Damascus's primary priorities.
Relations with Iraq developing
Ahmed al-Sharaa said relations with Iraq are progressing positively, noting that Damascus's policy is based on engaging with official state structures. Emphasizing the historical, social, and economic ties between the two countries, al-Sharaa said common interests must be developed on a solid and sustainable basis.
He added that some circles in the past tried to portray events in Syria as sectarian conflict, but that this does not reflect reality.
Investment and cooperation with Gulf states
Reporting that relations with Gulf states are at a very good level, al-Sharaa said Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and other regional states are showing interest in the reconstruction of Syria. Noting that investment projects in energy, airport infrastructure, real estate and tourism have begun to be implemented, al-Sharaa announced that major projects are planned not only in the capital Damascus but also in Aleppo, Latakia and Tartus.
Pointing out that projects for transporting Iraqi oil via the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline are also on the table, al-Sharaa drew attention to the importance of regional integration in energy.
Kurds and SDF are not the same
Stressing that the Kurdish population is one of the integral components of Syrian society, al-Sharaa recalled that citizenship rights were restored to Kurds who had been deprived of them under the previous regime, cultural rights were recognized, and Nowruz was declared an official holiday.
'Kurds and the SDF are separate issues,' the Syrian leader said, noting that there are occasional problems in implementing agreements with the terrorist organization YPG, but the latest agreement is based on firmer foundations and the implementation process is ongoing. 'Any option that would drag Syrians into new conflicts must be avoided. Any solution that prevents conflict is valuable,' he said.
Democratization process and political model
Al-Sharaa said the Syrian administration aims to expand public participation in governance, saying, 'We will create a political model suited to our own conditions. Citizens must have the right to elect their leaders and express opinions on the laws that will govern the country.'
Noting that the start of the first sessions of the People's Assembly is an important step in this direction, al-Sharaa added that shaping the political system is not a decision that can be taken by the president alone, and that the views and contributions of MPs and different segments of society are of great importance.
