Foreign Minister Fidan: All armed elements involved in terrorist activities in Syria must be eliminated

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, regarding the developments in Syria, stated, "It is essential that all armed elements involved in terrorist activities in the region are eliminated, and that all populations return to a normal life."

Speaking in a live television broadcast, Fidan answered questions on the current agenda.

Fidan emphasized the importance of the new administration in Syria addressing "oppression and historical injustice" in the region, adding, "It is essential that all armed elements involved in terrorist activities in the region are eliminated, and that all populations return to a normal life."

Pointing out that the region has "suffered a lot," Fidan said, "We are in the 21st century now. In a world where everyone should be living in happiness and prosperity, it is unacceptable for weapons to continue spilling blood right at our border."

Regarding the question of whether granting equal rights to Kurds in Syria could be interpreted as an extension of the PKK/YPG’s demands for strong local governance or autonomy, Fidan responded, "We have never considered any concession on the issue of autonomy or self-governance."

Emphasizing that Syria is a large country, Fidan stated, "Frankly, I do not believe that such an approach exists. I also do not think that the Syrian administration has such an understanding. I do not believe that such a demand would arise in this direction either."

"Our recommendation to the new administration is to grant the rights of Syrian Kurds"

When asked about the factors pushing the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to negotiate with the new Syrian administration, Fidan replied, "Fundamentally, what we have been saying from the beginning is this: since December 8, the new Syrian administration needs to take the initiative to end the YPG occupation and pirate rule. This was the strategy that our President (Recep Tayyip Erdoğan) set from the outset."

Commenting on the agreement signed between (Syrian official) Sharaa and (SDF commander) Abdi, Fidan said, "Our recommendation to the new administration is to grant the rights of Syrian Kurds. This is of paramount importance for both our President and Turkey."

Stating that this is a historic opportunity, Fidan added, "It is crucial that the new Syrian administration addresses the oppression and historical injustices against Syrian Kurds by granting them equal rights."

Fidan also touched on the balance of power surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war, stating, "The war’s onset divided parties, and now its conclusion is also dividing them. From the beginning, Turkey’s stance has been clear, and today, the same statements are being echoed by the United States."

Call for the PKK to lay down arms

Referring to the call from İmralı for the terrorist organization PKK to lay down arms, Fidan stated, "This call should be heeded and considered a historic opportunity. The organization should take this as a basis and initiate the process of self-dissolution."

Highlighting that "the cadres leading the organization from outside" have some level of authority to issue orders but cannot make certain decisions, Fidan remarked, "It is significant that the founding authority issues such an instruction."

Fidan also pointed out that the DEM Party has been under tutelage for many years and has not been able to conduct genuine politics, saying, "There is an entity attempting to engage in politics under the tutelage of the organization's armed terrorist elements. Under these circumstances, it is impossible to say that a genuine political discourse or method exists in its entirety."

He emphasized that the call is also important for breaking free from political guardianship, stating, "If they take advantage of this opportunity, it will lead to an opening for Turkey and the region. If they let others manipulate them, as happened in 2013, it is their decision, but we are prepared for all scenarios."

Europe's security architecture

Fidan speculated that if Turkey had been admitted to the European Union (EU) in 2007-2008, the United Kingdom might not have left the EU, stating, "If Turkey and the UK had been within the EU framework, it would have inevitably led to the earlier development of the EU’s foreign policy and security architecture."

He noted that European leaders are struggling with uncertainty over what to do if the world is divided into several spheres of influence, explaining:

"It is quite possible for a structure including the UK, certain European countries, and Turkey to form its own regional center of gravity. The capability and potential exist—it is simply a matter of asserting the will and following through."

Fidan added that looking at the historical roots of European politics, "nothing is ever simple for Europeans."