Lebanon receives assurances from Syria on non-interference after Trump remarks, official says
BEIRUT: Lebanon has received assurances from Syria that it will not interfere in Lebanese affairs, Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri told Arab News on Thursday, rejecting suggestions that Damascus could play a role in confronting Hezbollah as fighting between Israel and the group continues.
Mitri’s remarks came days after US President Donald Trump reportedly suggested that Israel could look to Syria to “take care of Hezbollah,” a proposal that has drawn skepticism in Beirut and Damascus.
“The Syrian authorities have clearly and repeatedly assured us that they do not intend to interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs, and we are confident that this will not happen,” Mitri said.
He added that Lebanese-Syrian relations are entering a new phase based on “trust, mutual respect for each country’s sovereignty, and shared interests,” a departure from the tensions and interventions that shaped relations between the two countries for decades.
