Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned the YPG terrorist group against exploiting the turbulent situation in Syria, particularly in the context of developments in the southern provinces of As-Suwayda.
This came in statements to reporters in New York City on the sidelines of his participation in the “Expanded Informal Meeting on Cyprus” on July 16-17.
Fidan indicated that they had received information about the movements of YPG militants, saying, “Our message to them is not to exploit the unrest in Syria and put themselves in an undesirable situation.
They must not further complicate the sensitive operation in Syria. They must play a constructive role, otherwise opportunism carries great risks.”
Regarding the Israeli attacks on the Syrian capital, Damascus, Fidan accused Israel of pursuing a de facto policy of destabilizing the region.
He said, “In its actions, Israel prioritizes its own national security, disregarding any rules, regulations, rights, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of other countries in the region.” The Turkish Foreign Minister noted that Israeli attacks have targeted Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Iran, and, most recently, Syria.
He stated that a “new roadmap” for Syria, which will be a model for history, was developed through the tireless efforts of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and contributions from other countries in cooperation with the United States, the European Union, and Saudi Arabia.
He stated that the new Syrian government that took power after December 8th has received international recognition, had sanctions lifted, and has shown promise in the region.
He emphasized that Turkey is working to expand this cooperation through close dialogue with regional countries and the United States to resolve Syria’s chronic problems and preserve its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and security, as well as equality and freedom for all its components.
The Turkish Foreign Minister indicated that it is unacceptable for Israel to act in a manner that defies everyone.
He emphasized that they are in contact with countries in the region, especially Jordan, on whose border the events in Sweida are taking place, as well as with US Special Representative for Syria, Tom Barrack.
-Advertisement-
Fidan emphasized that Ankara’s viewpoint and proposals regarding the developments in Syria will be communicated to the Israeli side via Turkish intelligence.
He also emphasized his rejection of the incitement and support of some Druze communities by Israel in the region, saying, “The conflicts between the Druze and the Bedouins must end, one way or another, with the intervention of security forces, to prevent civilian casualties on both sides.”
On the other hand, Fidan emphasized the importance of the Syrian government demonstrating its will and achieving security, peace, and prosperity.
Fidan said that Turkey’s message regarding the Gaza and Syrian issues is clear, noting that ensuring security for anyone will not be achieved without ensuring stability in the region.
He added, “Israel must abandon its destabilizing policies before it is too late.” Fidan noted that Israel’s policies pose a threat not only to the region but to itself as well.
He continued, “This is a situation in which everyone is thrown into the fire. In other words, the international community, especially the United States, the European Union, and the countries of the region, must show extreme sensitivity and put an end to Israel. Otherwise, it goes without saying that unwelcome consequences will ensue in the region.”
Asked about joint efforts that could be made with regional countries to stop the Israeli attacks, Fidan said, “There are regional countries and countries outside the region that are closely interested in the issue, and the United States, particularly its Special Representative for Syria, Tom Barak, is closely monitoring the situation.”
He added, “We are also in constant contact with the relevant parties throughout the day, exchanging news and information and coordinating matters.”
Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli military launched a new aggression against Syria, including airstrikes on more than 160 targets in four southern provinces: the neighboring provinces of As-Suwayda and Daraa, and Damascus and the Damascus countryside.
