Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, highlighted the necessity for the Syrian regime and opposition to work together on a political framework amidst escalating tensions, while expressing concerns regarding Israel’s military actions and the presence of the PKK/YPG in Syria.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan articulated the crucial need for collaboration between the Syrian regime and opposition to establish a political framework in a non-conflict setting. He stressed that the regime must create a safe and stable atmosphere for all its citizens and advocated for authentic dialogue with the Syrian opposition. Fidan raised alarms about the rising frequency of Israeli attacks on Syria and the risks posed by terrorist groups that may take advantage of the current chaos, potentially leading to greater instability. He identified the PKK/YPG’s occupation of significant portions of Syrian territory, supported by the United States, as a key issue and called on American officials to end their collaboration with this terrorist organization, suggesting that their ongoing dialogue reflects some, albeit limited, progress.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan: “The regime and the opposition must take the necessary steps to establish a comprehensive political framework.
Turkey is keen to witness both the regime and the opposition come together to develop a political framework that they can agree upon within this environment of non-conflict. It is imperative for the regime to create and maintain a safe and stable environment for all of its citizens, which includes both supporters and opponents alike.
It is crucial to differentiate between mere contact and meaningful dialogue. Genuine dialogue should be conducted specifically with those who oppose the regime and not just anyone.
When it comes to the situation in Syria, it is essential that we engage in honest discussions with the Syrian opposition. Our sincere hope is that President Assad will be able to reach a constructive agreement with his own opposition factions. However, from our observations, it seems that he and his allies are currently not prepared to engage in negotiations or pursue a path toward significant normalization.
At this juncture, it appears that Assad and his associates are unwilling to address or resolve certain critical issues that continue to affect the region.
Furthermore, we have noted an increase in the frequency of Israel’s attacks on Syria. This escalation poses a significant risk, as terrorist organizations and other destabilizing elements seeking to take advantage of this chaotic environment could potentially plunge Syria into an even deeper state of instability, a scenario that nobody wants to see unfold.
For us, the most pressing issue remains the eradication of the PKK/YPG terrorist organization, which has managed to occupy one-third of Syrian territory with the backing of the United States. In every meeting we conduct, we consistently remind our American counterparts of the urgent need to end their cooperation with this terrorist group in Syria. The fact that we are able to discuss this matter openly can be interpreted as a positive sign, suggesting that some degree of progress has been made, although it may be relatively limited at this point.”
