Jordan to host talks between Syrian government, Druze leaders
SUWAYDA, Syria (North Press) – Preparations are ongoing for a round of negotiations between the Syrian transitional government and representatives of the Druze community in Suwayda, southern Syria, al-Quds al-Arabi newspaper reported citing American and Syrian diplomatic sources.
The meeting is scheduled to take place in the Jordanian capital, Amman, at the end of next week.
According to the newspaper, the initiative—facilitated by U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack—aims at strengthening dialogue between the two sides.
International mediators are working to persuade Druze spiritual leader Hikmat al-Hijri, prominent family dignitaries, and local faction leaders to attend. However, there has been no confirmation on whether figures aligned with the Syrian government, such as Suleiman Abdul-Baqi and Laith al-Balaous, will be invited.
While regional and international diplomats are hopeful about the meeting’s prospects, some observers remain doubtful that al-Hijri will participate—particularly given the absence of Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Asaad al-Shaibani.
The government’s official delegation will reportedly be limited to head of Suwayda’s security forces, Ahmed al-Dalati; head of General Security in Daraa, Shaher Omran; and Suwayda’s Governor, Mustafa al-Bakour.
In recent weeks, Suwayda has witnessed intense clashes that have left an estimated 2,000 people dead. The governorate has been facing severe shortages of basic services and accuses the Syrian government of imposing a month-long siege.
Security breaches continue on the city’s outskirts, with both Druze armed groups and government forces trading accusations of violating the ceasefire.
For its part, the United States—through special envoy Thomas Barrack—has reaffirmed its commitment to mediating a peaceful resolution to the Suwayda crisis. Washington has urged all sides to settle disputes through dialogue and to end the violence. It also pledged to hold accountable those responsible for the killing of Syrian-American citizen Hussam Saraya during the recent unrest.