Hezbollah chief says meeting with Syrian leadership possible
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said on Tuesday that a meeting between the Lebanese group and Syria’s leadership could take place “at the appropriate time” if both sides agree.
“There is no objection to a meeting between Hezbollah and the Syrian leadership at a time deemed suitable by both parties,” Qassem said in a speech marking the Arba’in (fortieth: forty days Ashura).
Qassem stressed the importance of ties between Lebanon and Syria, saying that stability in one country supports stability in the other.
“A stable Syria is a support for Lebanon, just as a stable Lebanon is a support for Syria,” he said.
The Hezbollah chief also said that the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding had contributed to reducing hostilities in Lebanon, without providing further details on the agreement or its provisions.
Addressing Lebanon’s internal situation, Qassem called on the Lebanese authorities to “stop making concessions” and engage in dialogue with what he described as the resistance, while working to restore domestic stability.
He further urged Lebanon’s political leadership to prioritize national sovereignty and continue efforts to secure Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
“The political authority must pay attention to national sovereignty and work until we achieve Israel’s withdrawal,” Qassem added.
Qassem asserted that “the majority of the Lebanese people support the resistance, liberation, national sovereignty and the army.”
Commenting on Iran’s regional role, he described the country as “an important and influential state” whose presence and influence are reflected globally.
Relations between Hezbollah and the new Syrian leadership have remained uncertain since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024. Hezbollah had been one of Damascus’ key military allies during Syria’s conflict, while the current Syrian authorities have sought to redefine the country’s regional relations.