Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has asserted that the YPG/SDF terror group is only likely to change its position when confronted with force. This statement was made during a live interview with Turkish public news broadcaster TRT Haber.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan emphasized that the YPG/SDF, which he described as an extension of the PKK, does not engage in dialogue unless force is applied or threatened. He criticized the group's uncompromising stance against the Damascus administration and noted the YPG/SDF's tendency to seek support from regional and global actors, leveraging its narrative of fighting DAESH to maintain international contacts, including with some US senators and Israel.
Fidan highlighted that these relationships and strategies are ineffective and urged the YPG/SDF to pursue genuine solutions with local populations. He criticized the group's claims of favoring dialogue while maintaining a rigid stance, and he reiterated that it only changes its position under force.
He further noted that Turkish intelligence and diplomats have communicated Turkey's concerns to the SDF and Syrian counterparts without seeing any change, a situation anticipated by Ankara. Fidan expressed hope for a resolution in Aleppo, envisioning a unified state providing services to all citizens irrespective of ethnicity.
Fidan also criticized the PKK's unwillingness to participate in peace processes, despite various regional actors, including the US and Turkey, proposing non-violent solutions. He noted that while regional goals align in Syria, Israel's approach remains an exception, employing a divide-and-rule tactic for its security.
Addressing Israeli relations, Fidan urged Tel Aviv to adopt peace-based solutions to foster regional stability. He also commented on the Gaza ceasefire process, indicating that while progress has been made, Israel's demands complicate the situation.
On Iran, Fidan stated that Israel's expected outcomes would not materialize, and he highlighted Iran's unity against external threats. He called for peaceful negotiations to resolve Iran's issues with the US and the West.
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Fidan suggested that efforts have brought them closer to a ceasefire, potentially signaling a broader peace agreement involving Europe and Russia, with US assurances playing a crucial role.
Finally, Fidan discussed developments in US-Turkey relations, mentioning a potential resolution of CAATSA sanctions and other issues by 2025. He stressed the importance of regional solidarity and noted potential tensions arising from US policies, including possible implications of scenarios in Greenland on Europe and Turkey.