Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa made important statements on a wide range of issues, from sanctions on his country to regional relations, in an interview with Al Jazeera.
Al-Sharaa stated that Saudi Arabia and Turkey mediated last year to lift the sanctions imposed on Syria. "President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was involved at the US level in this process," he said. Emphasizing that US President Donald Trump played a significant role in lifting the sanctions, the Syrian leader said, "Most of the sanctions were imposed due to the crimes committed by the deposed Baath regime. It was not logical for the Syrian people, freed from the former regime, to be subjected to the same sanctions."
Al-Sharaa noted that it is critically important not only to lift the Caesar Act but also to remove Syria from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, where it has been since 1979. Noting that the Trump administration has taken steps in this direction, al-Sharaa said the process is ongoing at the US State Department and Congress, and the decision will take effect after the objection period concludes.
New phase in relations with Russia
Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that contacts with Russia began months before the fall of the Assad regime and that relations between the two countries are now being rebuilt on the basis of mutual interests. "We are opening a new page with Russia," al-Sharaa said, emphasizing that Moscow had ties not only with the former regime but also with the Syrian state.
The Syrian President reported that negotiations are continuing on Russian military bases, an agreement has been reached to consolidate many Russian facilities around a single base, and talks are ongoing regarding the future of the Hmeimim Air Base and some facilities in Tartus.
Lebanon's stability and the Hezbollah claim
Stating that Lebanon's security and stability directly affect Syria, al-Sharaa said, "Lebanon's stability is in Syria's interest." Arguing that non-state armed groups create serious problems in the region, al-Sharaa claimed that Hezbollah participated in the Syrian war in recent years and still maintains its armed wing.
He said Syria is not considering military intervention in Lebanon but could offer capabilities to help Beirut fulfill its obligations.
Gradual progress with Israel
The Syrian President noted that gradual progress could be achieved in relations with Israel. Emphasizing the importance of establishing a lasting 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.
Al-Sharaa stated that if security agreements are successful, a broader peace process could be initiated later, stressing that this would not mean Syria is giving up its rights over the occupied Golan Heights.
Restoring rights to Kurds and the SDF
Emphasizing that the Kurdish population is an essential part of Syrian society, al-Sharaa recalled that Kurds who were deprived of citizenship rights under the previous regime have had those rights restored, cultural rights have been recognized, and Nowruz has been declared an official holiday.
"The Kurds and the SDF are separate issues," the Syrian leader said, noting that there are occasional problems in implementing the agreements with the terrorist organization YPG, but the latest consensus is based on more solid foundations and the implementation process is ongoing. "We must avoid any options that would drag Syrians into new conflicts. Any solution that prevents conflict is valuable," he said.
Regional relations and investments
Al-Sharaa reported that relations with Gulf countries are at an excellent level, and that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and other regional states are showing interest in Syria's reconstruction. 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 in the capital Damascus as well as in Aleppo, Latakia and Tartus.
He also noted that projects to transport Iraqi oil through the Kirkuk-Banias pipeline are on the table.
Ahmed al-Sharaa said the Syrian administration aims to expand public participation in governance, stating, "We will create a political model suited to our own conditions. Citizens should have the right to choose their leaders and express their views on the laws that govern the country."
