Damascus, Syria – The Syrian Foreign Ministry denied, on Saturday, news about the signing of an expected security agreement between Syria and Israel on September 25.
The Ministry’s Coordination and Communications Office confirmed that what was circulated regarding the signing of any security agreement between the two sides is “denied”.
The Independent Arabia newspaper reported earlier that Syria and Israel will sign a security agreement under American sponsorship on September 25.
The official Syrian News Agency (SANA) reported last Tuesday that Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met with an Israeli delegation in Paris.
During the meeting, a number of issues related to reducing escalation and enhancing stability in the region were discussed.
The meeting was sponsored by America.
The agency reported that the discussions focused on stopping interference in internal Syrian affairs and enhancing stability in southern Syria.
In addition to monitoring the ceasefire in As-Suwayda Governorate, and reactivating the 1974 disengagement agreement.
The agreement stipulates a cessation of hostilities between Syria and Israel. It also includes the supervision of a UN force over the demilitarized zone.
SANA indicated that the talks come within the framework of “American diplomatic efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in Syria. These efforts also include preserving the unity and integrity of its territory.”
This meeting is an extension of a similar meeting hosted in Paris in late July between Al-Shaibani and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermier.
At the same time, diplomatic sources spoke of other direct meetings. These took place between the two parties in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku.
These unprecedented developments come after bloody violence in the Druze-majority province of Sweida in mid-July.
These actions led to the deaths of more than 1,600 people, most of whom were members of the Druze community.
Clashes initially broke out between local militants and other Bedouins, before government forces intervened and the confrontations expanded.
Israel then launched strikes near the presidential palace, destroying the General Staff in Damascus.
On July 18-19, Washington announced a ceasefire agreement between Syria and Israel.
This comes amid escalating tensions following repeated Israeli raids and military incursions into southern Syria. These events coincide with the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
