Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the need for armed factions in Syria to unite under a single legitimate Syrian army, advocating for the state apparatus to hold the exclusive authority to bear arms and exercise force. His statements were made during an interview with the Saudi-based Al-Sharq channel.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Fidan highlighted that there are factions close to Turkey, encompassing over 80,000 armed individuals. He urged these groups to join the national army, emphasizing the importance of unity to prevent unrest in Syria. He also expressed hope for similar actions from southern factions in regions like Sweida and Daraa.
Fidan criticized the excessive interference of foreign powers in the region, which he believes has led to outcomes similar to the situation in Syria. He called for a shift towards policies prioritizing stability through cooperation with neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq.
During his discussion, Fidan reflected on the era of the deposed Bashar al-Assad regime, which he associated with the division, war, instability, and the mass displacement of people in Syria. He stressed that a similar fate should not befall the region, advocating for a change in the geopolitical landscape where Muslims, Arabs, Turks, and Persians coexist.
Fidan outlined Turkey’s commitment to redeveloping Syria through collaboration with international and regional organizations, including the Arab League, the Gulf States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the European Union, and the United States. He acknowledged the significant roles played by regional countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan.
He also mentioned the European Union’s anticipated lifting of some sanctions on Syria, with the United States having already lifted certain restrictions. Turkey has established an internal coordination mechanism to provide immediate assistance to Syria, focusing on sectors such as transportation, energy, and health.
Highlighting the importance of a stable Syria for Turkey, Fidan reiterated the country’s commitment to fostering economic development and stability in the region. He expressed optimism that Turkey’s efforts, in collaboration with international partners, would yield positive results.
Fidan detailed the expectations from a new Syrian administration, including the cessation of regional threats, zero tolerance for terrorism, fair treatment of minorities, the formation of an inclusive government, preservation of territorial and political integrity, and full guarantee of the country’s sovereignty.
He concluded by discussing the close cooperation between Turkey and Saudi Arabia concerning developments in Syria, lauding the efforts of Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. Fidan expressed satisfaction with the high level of coordination achieved in recent meetings held in Aqaba, Cairo, and Riyadh, emphasizing the alignment between the two countries on the expectations from Syria’s new administration.