A diplomatic source familiar with the recent meeting held in the French capital, Paris, revealed that the dialogue – which brought together a delegation from the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the General Intelligence Directorate with representatives from the Israeli side – was conducted under US mediation. The talks focused on recent security developments and efforts to contain the ongoing escalation in southern Syria.
According to the source who spoke exclusively to Al Arabiya, the meeting did not produce any final agreements. Instead, it was an initial round of consultations aimed at reducing tensions and reopening channels of communication amid the escalation that has continued since early December.
During the meeting, the Syrian delegation emphasized that the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of Syrian territory are non-negotiable principles. It stressed that Sweida and its people are an integral part of the Syrian state whose status cannot be undermined or isolated under any pretext.
The delegation also reaffirmed that the Syrian people – alongside state institutions – are genuinely committed to rebuilding the destruction caused by the war. After years of conflict, Syrians are now seeking security and stability, and they firmly reject any suspicious schemes that threaten the country’s unity.
The delegation categorically rejected the presence of any illegal foreign forces on Syrian soil and denounced any attempts to exploit segments of Syrian society to pursue partition plans or create parallel entities that could fragment the state and stoke sectarian divisions.
The Syrian side also warned against all efforts to drag the country into chaos or internal strife, cautioning that such schemes target Syria’s national fabric. It called on the international community to take responsibility in preventing further escalation.
The delegation also held Israel accountable for the latest escalation, particularly the military incursions into certain areas following December 8. It warned that the continuation of these aggressive policies threatens the security of the entire region and made clear that Syria will not accept any attempts to impose new realities on the ground.
The source noted that the talks also included discussion on the possible reactivation of the disengagement agreement, under international guarantees. The Syrian delegation demanded an immediate Israeli withdrawal from the areas recently entered.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to hold additional rounds of talks in the near future. These meetings aim to continue discussions and assess measures to stabilize the south and contain tensions, all within a framework that respects Syria’s sovereignty, territorial unity, and independent political decision-making.
The source concluded by saying that the talks were frank and conducted in a spirit of responsibility. They form part of broader efforts to avoid further escalation but, at this stage, do not amount to a formal agreement. The Syrian state remains fully committed to defending its territorial integrity and population and rejects any partition plans or attempts to drag the country into a new cycle of internal conflict.
Al Arabiya
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