Syria's foreign minister says Damascus open to talks with Hezbollah if interests require

DAMASCUS, Syria — DAMASCUS/BEIRUT — Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani said Damascus is not currently in talks with Hezbollah but is prepared to engage the Lebanese group if its interests require it. Al-Shibani made the remarks during a visit to Lebanon, where he met Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the importance of coordination with Syria on border monitoring and the prevention of smuggling of people and weapons. Aoun said Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara had repeatedly told him that Syria's role would not be as it had been in the past and that Damascus aims to open a new page with Beirut. He also welcomed the establishment of a High-Level Joint Commission between the two countries. Al-Shibani's visit to Beirut followed reports that Syrian forces were set to take on duties in Lebanon related to Hezbollah. President al-Shara had previously denied those claims, stating that no Syrian elements were present on Lebanese territory. No further details on the timing or agenda of the commission were immediately available.