What happened in earlier meetings with U.S. diplomats?
The United States approached us. They told us they wanted to improve relations with Syria. They told us they acknowledge major improvements in the security level between Syria and Iraq, at the political level with Lebanon, and in [our] talks with Israel. Are militants moving from Syria into Iraq? Are there al Qaeda operatives in Syria? Probably, but they are our sworn enemies. When we know about them, we will immediately attack them or arrest them. We have done everything possible to try to secure the Syrian-Iraqi border. We told the United States we cannot do this alone. We offered it security arrangements, cooperation, intelligence sharing. The U.S. categorically refused to engage with us, always saying, “It’s your responsibility.” How is Syrian policy toward Lebanon changing? The moment a new Lebanese president was elected and the new national unity government was installed, we moved. We have signed an agreement with Lebanon to exchange embassies. What support does Syria give Hezbol
