Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem affirmed that there is no objection to a meeting with the Syrian leadership at a mutually agreed-upon time.
Former Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa had stated in a media interview that Syria is open to dialogue with all Lebanese parties, provided it is conducted through the Lebanese state to uphold its sovereignty.
In a televised address, Qassem said, “A stable Syria is a pillar of support for Lebanon, just as a stable Lebanon is a pillar of support for Syria.”
He pointed out that direct negotiations have brought Lebanon nothing but successive concessions, adding, “I call on the political authority to cease these concessions, open a dialogue with the resistance, and repair the internal situation.”
He continued, “The political authority must prioritize national sovereignty and work towards achieving an Israeli withdrawal.”
The United States had confirmed that new talks between Israel and Lebanon would be held in Rome from August 4 to 6, within the framework of expanding “pilot zones” in cooperation with the Lebanese army.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that “the technical delegations in Rome will focus on accelerating the full implementation of the framework agreement,” noting in this regard the expansion of the pilot zones process, the resolution of all outstanding border issues, and the drafting of a comprehensive peace and security agreement.
He added, “The experience gained from the initial zones will help us improve the implementation of the pilot zones, allowing for their gradual expansion.” (EIR)
