US Representative Reveals the Syrian transitional president conditions for joining the Abraham Accords
US Representative Marlin Stutzman revealed Syrian transitional President Ahmed al Sharaa’s desire to open a new chapter with Israel, noting that normalizing relations between Damascus and Tel Aviv is conditional upon several factors, most notably preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and ensuring its sovereignty.
In an interview with the Jerusalem Post following his visit to Syria, Stutzman stated that al Sharaa is open to joining the Abraham Accords, which could contribute to improving Syria’s relations with Israel and other Middle Eastern countries, in addition to strengthening relations with the United States.
Stutzman explained that the Syrian president stressed the need for Syria to remain a unified state, expressing his rejection of any scenario that would lead to the country being divided into spheres of influence.
The Syrian transitional president also called for an end to the repeated Israeli raids inside Syrian territory, particularly near the Golan Heights.
Stutzman described the meeting with the Syrian president, saying, “He seemed enthusiastic when discussing the economy, tourism, and expanding the trade network from southern Syria to Europe, a project that could make a significant difference in transportation time and costs”.
Stutzman noted that President al Sharaa, who is still in his early forties, appeared calm and thoughtful, working hard to confront the challenges left by years of conflict.
Regarding US sanctions, Stutzman said that the Syrian president didn’t request financial aid, but rather focused on lifting economic sanctions, stressing that this request deserves serious considerations.
He explained that Washington is setting clear conditions for lifting sanctions, including respect for human rights, equality among citizens, and guaranteeing religious freedoms and women’s rights, in addition to Syria’s commitment not to become a training platform for extremist groups or a proxy for Russia, Iran, or China.
He added, “For Syria to regain its position as a normal state in the region, it must build a stable and respectful relationship with Israel and distance itself from alliances that raise regional and international concerns”.
Amid the skepticism expressed by some Israeli officials regarding the new Syrian government, Stutzman called on Tel Aviv to give al Sharaa a chance.
In his message to his Israeli counterparts, he said, “Could he deceive us? Yes… But if he does, he must bear the consequences… That doesn’t mean we should close the door to dialogue… Ignoring him could push him back into the arms of Russia and Iran”.
The US representative concluded his statement by emphasizing that the final decision on US policy toward Syria remains in the hands of President Donald Trump, noting that the future of relations between the two countries will be determined by Damascus’s compliance with US and international conditions.
Informed sources revealed that the administration of US President Donald Trump rejected Israeli pressure to maintain a larger US military presence in northeastern Syria, amid ongoing shifts in US policy toward Syria.
