Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa says his government is pursuing a security agreement with Israel that could eventually open the door to a broader peace arrangement, while insisting that Syria will not relinquish its claim to the Golan Heights.

In remarks to Al Jazeera from an interview that has not yet aired in full, al-Sharaa also made clear that Syria has no intention of becoming militarily involved in neighboring Lebanon.

He said Damascus is holding discussions with the Lebanese government aimed at finding solutions that will help stabilize the country and restore security.

According to al-Sharaa, instability in Lebanon would inevitably spill over into Syria, making the situation there a matter of direct concern for Damascus. He also expressed support for the Lebanese government and the Lebanese Armed Forces maintaining exclusive control over weapons and retaining sole authority over decisions regarding war and peace.

During the interview, al-Sharaa revealed that Syria is engaged in efforts to negotiate a security agreement with Israel, with several additional countries participating in the process.

He said such an agreement, if successfully concluded, could serve as the foundation for a comprehensive peace between the two countries while preserving Syria’s claim to what it describes as the “occupied Golan.”

Al-Sharaa also stressed that his government has no desire for military confrontation with Israel. “We have no interest in that,” he said.

{Matzav.com}