Latest news with #politicalsettlement
Al Mayadeen
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Mayadeen
Syria demands 1/3 of Golan, Lebanese areas for 'Israel' normalization
Syria is demanding the return of at least one-third of the Golan Heights territory occupied by "Israel" prior to the 1974 armistice agreement, according to a source close to Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who spoke to i24NEWS on Thursday. "There is no such thing as peace for free," the source said, outlining two potential scenarios for a political settlement. The first scenario, the official indicated, would see "Israel" retaining strategic areas equivalent to one-third of the Golan Heights and handing over a third to Syria. The remaining third is leased to "Israel" by Syria for 25 years. Read more: 'Israel', Syria discuss security agreement against Hezbollah, Iran According to the Syrian official, the second scenario would see "Israel" keeping two-thirds of the occupied Golan Heights and handing over one-third to Syria, with the possibility of leasing it. Under this scenario, the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli and possibly additional Lebanese territories, including the Beqaa Valley, would be handed over to Syria, the official revealed. The source said that Syria aims to "reclaim sovereignty" over Tripoli, which it considers one of five regions detached from Syria to form the Lebanese state during the French Mandate, pointing out that the return of these areas, including other northern Lebanese regions, should be part of a comprehensive agreement. As part of the broader settlement, Syria is proposing a regional water agreement involving Turkey, Syria, and "Israel". This would allow "Israel" to extend a pipeline to transport water from the Euphrates River. Al-Sharaa "has demonstrated unprecedented openness and opened direct lines of communication with Israel for security and military coordination in southern Syria," the source mentioned. The Syrian source emphasized that the return of parts of the Golan Heights, particularly areas seized by "Israel" after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad's rule, is crucial for gaining domestic support for any agreement. "Al-Sharaa would likely face significant internal resistance should he fail to do so," according to the source. While US sanctions relief is under discussion, the source stressed it should not be considered as "Israeli payment" for peace with Syria, noting that "the sanctions removal is a separate matter." Read more: US backs Syria-Israeli talks, disarmament of Resistance: NYT
Zawya
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets the Speaker of Libya's House of Representatives
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received the Speaker of Libya's House of Representatives, Counselor Aguila Saleh. The meeting was attended by Political Advisor to the Speaker of Libya's House of Representatives, Hamid Al-Safi, and Director of the General Intelligence Service, Major General Hassan Rashad. Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said that the meeting reviewed the latest developments on the Libyan scene. President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's firm position in support of Libya and its national institutions, emphasizing the importance of preserving Libya's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The President also stressed the necessity for unifying efforts to reach a comprehensive political settlement to the crisis. This is in order to allow for presidential and parliamentary elections to be held concurrently as soon as possible, in a way that fulfills the aspirations of the Libyan people for stability, security, and a dignified life. President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's commitment to continuing its efforts and coordination with all Libyan brothers and concerned international parties. This stems from Egypt's belief in the necessity of stability in the brotherly state of Libya, and that Libya's political and security stability is an integral part of Egypt's own stability. The President also emphasized the importance of the departure of all foreign forces from Libya, which will contribute to promoting security, enabling Libyan institutions to play their role in consolidating stability across all Libyan territories. The President expressed Egypt's interest in the reconstruction Libya and in participating in this process, as well as transferring Egyptian development expertise to support the development process. The Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives expressed his deep appreciation for the historical and fraternal relations between Egypt and Libya, and for the role of President El-Sisi and Egyptian institutions in supporting Libya's unity and the cohesion of its national institutions. He affirmed that this support represents a fundamental pillar for restoring security and stability and for advancing the transitional phase leading to the implementation of the upcoming electoral entitlements. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
