Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called for the unification of armed groups in Syria into a single national army, with a single legitimate state body being authorized to bear arms and use force. He emphasized the importance of these groups joining the national army to prevent disorder in the country.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan, in an interview with Saudi-based Asharq news, stated that Trkiye has urged groups with over 80,000 armed elements close to Trkiye to integrate into the national army. He highlighted Trkiye's role in using constructive influence at a high level to facilitate this unification. Fidan expressed hope for similar outcomes in the southern regions of Suwayda and Daraa.
Fidan blamed foreign powers for the instability in the region, noting that some states intervene excessively to protect others' interests. He emphasized the need for a policy prioritizing stability, involving regional partners like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq. Fidan stressed that war, division, and displacement should not define the region's future.
Ankara is working on coordination with regional and global organizations for Syria's reconstruction, Fidan noted. He mentioned the US lifting some sanctions against Syria and expressed hope for similar actions from the EU. Trkiye has established a coordination mechanism to initiate aid in areas like transportation, energy, and health, aiming for stability and economic development in Syria.
Fidan stated that there should be no place for terrorism in Syria, with particular emphasis on threats from ISIS and PKK groups. He called for an inclusive government that respects minority rights and maintains territorial and political sovereignty. Fidan emphasized that these conditions have been communicated to the Syrian government and are agreed upon by the international community.
The Turkish foreign minister acknowledged the cooperation and high-level coordination between Saudi Arabia and Trkiye regarding Syria. He noted that both countries share a unified stance on expectations from the new Syrian administration and stressed the importance of advancing bilateral relations.
Fidan addressed differences with the US, particularly regarding American policy in Syria, which began under President Obama. He criticized the use of PKK/YPG to combat ISIS, which poses a threat to Trkiye's national security. Fidan expressed hope for improved understanding between Trkiye and the US on these issues in the future.
On Israel's activities in Syria, Fidan criticized the lack of justification for Israel's military actions, calling them provocative. He underscored the opposition from regional countries to Israel's approach, highlighting the need for equal citizenship for all ethnic groups in Syria.
Fidan discussed the role of the PKK/YPG and the need for these groups to disarm. He emphasized that Trkiye is ready to support Syria in managing prisons and camps to ensure security and stability. Regarding Syrian refugees in Trkiye, Fidan stated that they are welcome as guests and that efforts are underway to create conditions for their voluntary return to Syria.
Fidan sees the developments in Syria as an opportunity to enhance relations between Trkiye and Iran, noting the absence of Iran in Syria and the resulting decrease in regional disputes. He also mentioned Russia's willingness to engage positively with Syria, as expressed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict, Fidan highlighted the importance of a two-state solution to prevent future crises. He noted that the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is a step towards ending the conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties and displacement.