Kathmandu— Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has indicated Syria’s willingness to re-engage in diplomatic talks with Israel, urging them to seize what he called a “historic opportunity.” In an interview with Reuters, al-Shaibani stated that negotiations over a security agreement – which would involve Israeli withdrawal from Syrian territory – are expected to resume soon, though they were paused following the start of conflict involving Iran. The minister emphasized Syria’s priority is halting Israeli attacks and building confidence through de-escalation, while acknowledging deep distrust between the two nations.

Stalled Negotiations and US Mediation

For over a year, the United States has been attempting to broker a security deal between Israel and the government of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. However, progress has been hampered by Israeli military actions within Syria, including troop deployments and attacks on government assets, justified by Israeli claims of threats to its own security. Al-Shaibani revealed that negotiations were frozen at the onset of recent conflicts involving Iran, with no date currently set for their resumption.

Mutual Security Concerns

Al-Shaibani stressed Syria’s need for reciprocal respect regarding security concerns, stating Israel must cease violating Syrian airspace and conducting raids. He indicated that both sides had previously reached a near agreement on a security deal requiring Israel to halt attacks and withdraw from occupied territory, including the establishment of UN-monitored buffer zones and areas with varying levels of Syrian force deployment. However, he expressed doubt about Israel’s genuine commitment to implementation, saying, “We did not see they had the real will to reach an agreement.”

Golan Heights Remain a Key Obstacle

The long-standing dispute over the Golan Heights – seized by Israel from Syria in 1967 – continues to be a major sticking point. Al-Shaibani stated that stopping Israeli aggression is Damascus’s immediate priority, with discussions about peace and the Golan Heights potentially following. However, Israeli officials have signaled their unwillingness to return the territory to the current Syrian government. US special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, has been working to establish a mechanism to prevent conflict between Israel, Turkiye, and Syria, but al-Shaibani insists this must focus on halting attacks rather than solidifying Israeli occupation.

Regional Alliances and Military Support

Syria is actively rebuilding its military following 14 years of civil war and receives support from several countries including Turkiye, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Al-Shaibani affirmed that Syria would continue to accept such assistance, noting that it had conveyed to Israel that a Syrian airbase would not be used as a Turkish base – even before the recent Israeli bombing of Abu al-Duhur airbase.

Distrust and Hope for Future Relations

Despite expressing deep distrust in Israel, al-Shaibani maintained Syria’s hope for building stable relationships with its neighbors. “Syria is extending its hand for understandings, for peace, for diplomacy” and regional stability, he said. However, he admitted that betting on Israel was difficult.

While negotiations remain stalled due to ongoing security concerns and distrust, both Syria and the United States appear committed to finding a path towards de-escalation and a potential security agreement between Syria and Israel.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.