Damascus, Jan 14 (IANS) Syria’s interim Defence Ministry has reportedly agreed with the majority of armed factions on forming a unified army, local media reported.
The arrangement includes an accord with factions of the so-called Syrian National Army in the north, laying out a plan for their integration into the revamped national forces, Xinhua news agency reported.
According to the report, the ministry has rejected any sectarian, religious, or regional autonomy for armed groups.
Instead, it aims to build a unified, professional army composed of volunteers rather than conscripts, an official from the ministry was quoted as saying.
The ministry also plans to integrate the former Free Syrian Army into the defence structure. The Free Syrian Army was a coalition of defected Syrian military personnel and civilian fighters formed in 2011 to oppose the former government during the civil war.
Al-Watan Online noted that this preliminary plan followed extensive talks between defense officials and various factions. Negotiations with remaining armed groups are expected to continue in the coming weeks as Damascus moves toward forming what it calls “a solid national army.”
Earlier on Saturday, Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, pledged neutrality in Lebanon’s affairs during a joint press conference with visiting Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
“We will remain equidistant from all Lebanese,” al-Sharaa said at the press conference. He noted the two sides had also discussed issues such as smuggling between the two countries, border challenges, and Syrian deposits in Lebanese banks.
“We’re envisioning strategic, long-term relations built on solid foundations,” he added.
Mikati echoed this sentiment, highlighting the intertwined destinies of the two nations.
“As long as Syria is well, Lebanon is well,” he said, expressing hope that efforts by Damascus to tackle the Syrian refugee crisis could alleviate the strain on Lebanon. Mikati also commended the interim Syrian authorities’ willingness to engage, noting his discussions with al-Sharaa covered regional challenges and ways to bolster bilateral ties.
Relations between the two neighbouring countries have grown tense in recent weeks. Syria recently imposed restrictions on cross-border movement following security incidents along the shared border. Previously, Lebanese citizens could enter Syria visa-free using only identification documents.
–IANS
int/rs
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
