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Macron Meets Kurdish PM, to Call on Abadi to Hold Dialogue

French President Emmanuel Macron meets Kurdish Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani in Paris. (Reuters)
French President Emmanuel Macron meets Kurdish Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani in Paris. (Reuters)
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Macron Meets Kurdish PM, to Call on Abadi to Hold Dialogue

French President Emmanuel Macron meets Kurdish Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani in Paris. (Reuters)
French President Emmanuel Macron meets Kurdish Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani in Paris. (Reuters)

French President Emmanuel Macron revealed on Saturday that he will inform Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi of concessions that Kurdish officials were willing to make in order to hold dialogue between Irbil and Baghdad.

He made his remarks during a press conference after holding talks with Iraqi Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani and Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani.

Responding to a question from Asharq Al-Awsat, Macron said that he will call Abadi to launch dialogue immediately and according to the commitments he had announced.

The French leader revealed that he would inform the PM of the details of his talks with Barzani.

Macron and Abadi had met in October when the latter paid a visit to the French capital.

Kurdistan is willing to accept the Iraqi central government’s control of the Region’s borders in what France believes is a sufficient concession to launch dialogue with Baghdad, said Elysee Palace sources.

Dialogue between Irbil and Baghdad is aimed at resolving pending issues between them in wake of the Kurdistan independence referendum.

Macron announced that Paris was at the two sides’ disposal in order for them to resolve their disputes and push political solutions forward.

“The rise of a strong Iraq that recognizes and respects all of its components is one of the conditions to achieve stability in the region,” he said.

Barzani’s visit to Paris was possible after Kurdish authorities agreed with the Iraqi government that he would stress Iraq’s unity and sovereignty and his willingness to make progress in ties with Baghdad, said the Elysee sources.

Macron meanwhile sees in Barzani and Talabani the future of Kurdistan. The PM is outgoing Kurdish President Masoud Barzani’s nephew and his deputy is the son of late Iraqi President Jalal Talabani.

The French president believes that the younger Barzani would be able to reach solutions to disputes between Irbil and Baghdad, stated the sources.

It remains unclear if Paris was preparing to host a Kurdish-Iraqi meeting similar to the summit it held in July that led to a political understanding between rival Libyan factions.

The truth is that Paris believes that it has a role to play in the Iraqi file because it enjoys good ties with Baghdad and Irbil.

This position was voiced by Barzani, who said that his government was looking positively to the role that France can play in resolving problems with Baghdad.

The sources said that Paris ultimately would like to act as “facilitator” between Iraq and Kurdistan. To that end, it is holding talks with both Turkey and Iran regarding the Kurdish file.

France will base its efforts on Iraq’s right to the unity of its land, as well as its respect of the 2005 constitution and articles on respecting the rights of all Iraqi people.

According to Macron, Baghdad-Irbil dialogue should be based on recognizing the Iraqi government’s right to control its borders. Abadi must also commit to the “gradual disarmament” of all armed groups, especially the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

The Iraqi federal budget must also be fairly distributed so that no region feels neglected.

Baghdad should also respect Article 140 of the constitution on Kurdistan.

Based on these four points, Paris will call for dialogue “as soon as possible” and it is ready to do all it can in order to ensure the unity and stability of Iraq.

It is likely that Macron’s statements on the PMF would stir controversy, but on the other hand he has demonstrated that he is committed to the Iraqi government’s demand that it control its country’s borders.

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Arab World

Syrian Interior Ministry Details Results of Security Campaigns in Latakia, Damascus Countrysides

Security personnel inside the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs following a bombing . (AFP)
Security personnel inside the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs following a bombing . (AFP)
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Syrian Interior Ministry Details Results of Security Campaigns in Latakia, Damascus Countrysides

Security personnel inside the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs following a bombing . (AFP)
Security personnel inside the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs following a bombing . (AFP)

Syria’s Interior Ministry has announced the results of a series of security operations carried out in recent days in Homs, Latakia, and the Damascus countryside, including the arrest of two alleged ISIS members accused of involvement in the bombing of the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in Homs last month.

The ministry said the operations led to the arrest of three senior figures in a cell known as “Lieutenant Abbas,” affiliated with the “Coastal Shield Brigade” led by Miqdad Fteiha, a prominent figure loyal to the former regime.

Security forces also detained an armed group in the al-Wuroud neighborhood of Damascus that was allegedly planning “acts of sabotage.”

The operations form part of broader efforts to dismantle armed groups and restore the state’s exclusive authority over weapons.

Interior Minister Anas Khattab vowed to continue pursuing ISIS operatives and bringing them to justice.

In a post on X, he said security and intelligence services had conducted a “highly precise operation” resulting in the arrest of those involved in the December 26 attack on the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab district of Homs, which killed eight people and wounded 18 others.

According to the Interior Ministry, security units in Homs, in coordination with the General Intelligence Service, arrested two persons identified as ISIS members. Authorities said explosive devices, various weapons, ammunition, documents, and digital evidence allegedly linking the suspects to terrorist activities were seized.

The two were referred to the Counterterrorism Directorate to complete investigations ahead of prosecution.

In a separate statement earlier Monday, the Interior Ministry said a “valuable catch” was detained by security and intelligence forces in Latakia. It said he was a key figures in the “Lieutenant Abbas” cell. Initial investigations indicated the cell had targeted internal security and army positions in the province.

Meanwhile, in the Damascus countryside, the ministry said security forces carried out a “preemptive operation” in the al-Wuroud neighborhood of Qudsaya city, arresting three individuals accused of planning armed attacks.

The ministry said security services would continue pursuing remaining members of the groups, pledging to “eradicate them completely” to ensure security and stability.

Arab World

Gaza Deal: Cairo Talks Aim to Settle Sector’s ‘Administrative Committee’

Displaced Palestinians stand beside a pool of rainwater amid makeshift shelters at the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza (AFP). 
Displaced Palestinians stand beside a pool of rainwater amid makeshift shelters at the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza (AFP). 
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Gaza Deal: Cairo Talks Aim to Settle Sector’s ‘Administrative Committee’

Displaced Palestinians stand beside a pool of rainwater amid makeshift shelters at the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza (AFP). 
Displaced Palestinians stand beside a pool of rainwater amid makeshift shelters at the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza (AFP). 

Cairo is hosting renewed consultations on the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which entered into force on Oct. 10, following the arrival of a delegation from Hamas and amid anticipation of an announcement on the committee that will administer the territory.

Experts told Asharq Al-Awsat that the talks provide an important boost at a critical moment for the second phase of the Gaza agreement, which has been stalled for some time. They stressed that moving forward hinges largely on US will and pressure on Israel.

A Palestinian source said Monday that a Hamas delegation headed by the movement’s leader, Khalil al-Hayya, arrived in Cairo to discuss the second phase and push ahead with the ceasefire deal. The source added that indications suggest the Gaza administration committee will be finalized during the Cairo round, with factions briefed on the names, particularly after recent changes prompted by Israeli objections.

Hamas Political Bureau member Mohammed Nazzal said in televised remarks Sunday night that the delegation would discuss follow-up on implementing the ceasefire amid “major difficulties hindering its application and continued Israeli violations.”

He said the delegation would hold meetings with Palestinian factions and forces, as well as with Egyptian officials, to discuss several files linked to the agreement.

These include ways to consolidate the ceasefire and move to subsequent phases, alongside key issues - foremost the formation of a Palestinian technocratic committee to administer Gaza - aimed at preventing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from reneging on or delaying the deal.

Former Egyptian assistant foreign minister and member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Rakha Ahmed Hassan, said the Cairo consultations are highly significant and could revive the stalled agreement.

He pointed to anticipation surrounding US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a Peace Council, followed by the Gaza administration committee, adding that discussions would also cover approaches to dealing with weapons in Gaza to undercut Netanyahu’s justifications.

He suggested Hamas would press for full implementation of the first phase first, including opening the Rafah crossing from the Palestinian side, increasing aid, maintaining the ceasefire, and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in parallel with any later steps.

On the Egyptian front, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed, during a Cairo meeting with Irish Minister for Migration, Trade and Defense Helen McEntee, the importance of announcing a temporary Palestinian technocratic committee to manage daily affairs in Gaza and forming an international stabilization force.

 

 

 

Arab World

Lebanese Govt Vows to Carry out Second Phase of Plan to Impose State Monopoly over Arms

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and ambassadors of the quintet countries meet at the Grand Serail in Beirut. (Lebanese government's press office)
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and ambassadors of the quintet countries meet at the Grand Serail in Beirut. (Lebanese government's press office)
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Lebanese Govt Vows to Carry out Second Phase of Plan to Impose State Monopoly over Arms

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and ambassadors of the quintet countries meet at the Grand Serail in Beirut. (Lebanese government's press office)
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and ambassadors of the quintet countries meet at the Grand Serail in Beirut. (Lebanese government's press office)

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed on Monday that his country is determined to carry out the second phase of imposing state monopoly over weapons that the government approved last year.

The army is expected to kick off in February the second phase of the plan, which covers areas north of the Litani River. The first phase, covering south of the river, is close to completion.

Salam received at the Grand Serail in Beirut on Monday ambassadors of the quintet committee overseeing the ceasefire with Israel. The quintet includes Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed al-Bukhari, French Ambassador Herve Magro, Qatari Ambassador Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Egyptian Ambassador Alaa Moussa, and the United States' Ambassador Michel Issa.

After the talks, Salam said he expressed his gratitude to the envoys for their continued support for his reformist government and the army's disarmament plan.

"I stressed to them our firm determination to implement the second phase of the plan," he added.

Egyptian envoy Moussa said the meeting tackled several issues, including Lebanon's economic reforms and the disarmament plan.

The Lebanese state and army are on the right path, he remarked.

"We have positively assessed the first phase and the state's efforts have been very encouraging," he added.

Moreover, he stressed that Egypt is maintaining its efforts to de-escalate the tensions in Lebanon, especially in the South.

"Our sole goal is to create the circumstances that would ease the tensions," Moussa said.

"We are informing the Lebanese government of all of our efforts. We believe that if the situation is left without Egyptian or non-Egyptian efforts, then the chances of escalation will be greater," he continued.

"We have so far averted the situation from deteriorating," he added.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah has opposed efforts to kick off the second phase of the disarmament plan. It had already objected to its disarmament altogether.

Hezbollah MP Hussein Ezzedine said: "The government should work on getting the enemy to unconditionally withdraw from Lebanese territories it is occupying and release prisoners."

He said it should "avoid making concessions at the expense of the national interest, which will only encourage the enemy to continue to extort" Lebanon.