Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shar announced that he does not belong to the Muslim Brotherhood and is not an extension of the Arab Spring, emphasizing that he was the biggest victim of ISIS. In a meeting with an Arab media delegation in Damascus, he confirmed the failure of all nationalist and Islamic ideologies in the region. Al-Shar stressed that any calls for separation within Syria “will remain mere dreams,” affirming that solutions with the Kurds and the people of Sweida are possible only within the framework of the country’s unity.

He said, “All solutions with the Kurds and Sweida can be discussed except separation,” adding that “the state’s policy is based on tolerance, not revenge.” He emphasized that Syria’s unity is a “red line” and any talk of separation or quota division is “completely rejected.” He also rejected his government’s idea of a “humanitarian corridor” through Israel to Sweida, confirming that any aid will only enter through the capital, Damascus. Regarding relations with Israel, Al-Shar announced that the relationship is exclusively linked to the return of the occupied Golan Heights and the implementation of the 1974 agreement, stressing that there is no room for discussing a peace agreement before that. However, he revealed advanced negotiations with Tel Aviv regarding a security agreement based on the 1974 ceasefire line. The Syrian president reiterated his rejection of interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs and praised Iraq’s political and economic stance.

He stated that Syria is “on the verge of a renaissance,” as it is a strong country by itself and through its alliances.