Ankara: If the groups in Syria move toward division and destabilization, Turkey will consider it a direct threat to its national security and will intervene, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Tuesday. Fidan emphasized Ankara's willingness to engage in dialogue and meet demands from the groups, provided they do not involve division.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan stated, "Discuss anything you wish, make whatever demands you have, Turkey is willing to assist, but if you go beyond that, we will not allow ourselves to remain under threat." He made these remarks at a joint news conference with his Salvadoran counterpart, Alexandra Hill, in Ankara.
Fidan also criticized Israel, accusing it of pursuing a policy aimed at weakening the region and creating chaos. He suggested that Israel's objective is to divide Syria and prevent the emergence of a stable country in the region. He noted that Ankara has been closely monitoring developments in southern Syria, particularly following Israel's intervention.
Over the past seven months, the United States, European nations, and regional countries have adopted a constructive approach to support the Syrian people, Fidan added. He accused Israel of attempting to sabotage international and regional efforts to establish peace, stability, and security in Syria.
Reaffirming Turkey's commitment to diplomatic initiatives, Fidan highlighted the country's long-standing efforts to end conflicts and wars in the region. He noted that Turkey is significantly affected by regional instability, especially concerning terrorism and security threats. Despite these challenges, Turkey aims to promote stability and goodwill as part of a broader strategic vision.
Fidan also mentioned the evolving nature of Turkey's relations with Iraq, Syria, and Iran, indicating a shift towards stability. He referenced recent events, including clashes between Bedouin Arab tribes and armed Druze groups in Suwayda, which escalated with Israeli airstrikes on Syrian military positions and infrastructure in Damascus. Israel cited the protection of Druze communities as a pretext for its actions.
Most Druze leaders in Syria have rejected foreign interference, expressing their commitment to a unified Syrian state. In response to the violence, the Syrian government announced four ceasefire deals in Suwayda, with the most recent brokered on Saturday. The new Syrian government has been working to restore order nationwide since the ouster of former President Bashar Assad on December 8, 2024.