News
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on Sunday that Syria’s territorial integrity is “non-negotiable” and emphasized that there is no room for the PKK/YPG terror group within the country. Fidan asserted, “This is not a time to wait and see; we must take action.”
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reaffirmed on Sunday that the PKK/YPG terror group has no place in Syria, calling for its immediate dissolution. Speaking alongside Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of Syria’s new administration, in Damascus, Fidan stated, “This terrorist organization is occupying the lands of the Syrian people and stealing their natural resources.” He praised the Syrian people’s resolve in their fight against the PKK/YPG.
Fidan also expressed hope that his visit would encourage greater international engagement with Syria, urging Arab countries and the global community to recognize and cooperate with the new administration. He emphasized that Syria has moved beyond its darkest period and that “better days are ahead.”
The Turkish minister further called for the lifting of sanctions on Syria, stressing that all ethnic, religious, and sectarian groups in the country must have the opportunity to live in peace and prosperity. He added that the future of Syria should be determined by its people, and the new administration needs support to implement its plans.
Fidan’s remarks come after significant political shifts in Syria, following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Assad fled to Russia after anti-regime forces captured Damascus on December 8, marking the end of the Baath Party’s long rule. The resulting power vacuum has allowed groups like the PKK/YPG to attempt to exploit Syria’s instability.
“The lifting of sanctions on Syria, the normalization of the country, and the establishment of security are crucial in this regard,” he said.
Emphasizing that preparations for the reconstruction of Syria should begin as soon as possible, Fidan said: “Creating an environment that will enable the voluntary and safe return of our Syrian brothers to their country can only be achieved in this way.”
The Turkish state, its people, and its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will always stand by Syria and its people, he added.
The minister said it is “absolutely unacceptable” to tolerate Israel exploiting the current situation to seize Syria’s territories, referring to Israel’s recent attacks on Syrian lands after the fall of the Ba’ath regime.
Fidan called on Tel Aviv to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and not to further jeopardize regional security, urging the international community to take concrete action against Israel’s unlawful actions.
The top diplomat said that during his talks he stressed on the need for an orderly transition and stability in Syria, with security, the rule of law, and minority protection as key priorities.
Establishing a peaceful and just Syria would be the greatest success, he said, stressing that restoring all state functions is key to achieving this.
“As Turkey, we’re ready to share our expertise in restructuring state institutions and building capacity,” Fidan said, adding that Turkey will also fully support Syria in its fight against the Daesh/ISIS terror group. “We will never allow ISIS (Daesh) to exploit the situation.”
The minister also responded to a question about US President-elect Donald Trump’s stance on the PKK/YPG issue in Syria, saying Trump inherited this problem from the era of Barack Obama.
“Mr. Trump has several significant qualities, one of which is being straightforward and focusing solely on US interests.
When he looked at the problem, he saw that if a solution was found for ISIS detainees, there was no need for Americans to stay here (Syria).
He could not understand why they were there or what benefits it brought to America.”
“I believe that in the new term, Trump will approach this issue differently, with a more determined and stronger will, prioritizing American interests and only American interests,” he added.
Al Sharaa, for his part, said he discussed Syria’s future with Fidan, adding that “friendly country” Turkey has stood by Syrians since beginning of the revolution.
He said they also deliberated on the importance of having a strong government, particularly the significance of the Defense Ministry and ensuring that weapons remain under the control of the state.
He said they talked on how strategic relations between Ankara and Damascus will evolve in the coming days, emphasizing the importance of ties in political, economic, and social fields.
The head of the new administration said the only arms in Syria will be held by the state, arguing that any armed groups, whether in areas under their control or those under the control of the terrorist PKK/YPG, will not be accepted.
The Syrian leader also called for the removal of international sanctions imposed on Syria due to the erstwhile regime’s violent crackdown on its citizens, saying it would enable the country’s reconstruction.
Before the recent conflicts, he said many groups in Syria had agreed on establishing the Defense Ministry and unifying under a single government.
“During the revolution, there were many groups, but that can’t continue in the state.
In the coming days, a Defense Ministry will be announced, and a committee of senior military officials will be formed to create Syria’s future army. Afterwards, the groups will disband.”