Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has expressed concerns over Israeli efforts to destabilize Syria by supporting chaos, aiming to undermine the country’s unity amid the many challenges currently facing Damascus.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Fidan, speaking at a press conference alongside his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Sheibani in Ankara, highlighted the opening of a new chapter in relations between Syria and Turkey as of January 8. This reconciliation marks a hopeful turn for Syria and the wider region, closing a prolonged period of civil conflict.
Fidan detailed various development initiatives underway in Syria, particularly in sectors like energy, and emphasized Turkey’s commitment to contributing toward these efforts. He identified Israel as a major player in the unrest unfolding in the southern Syrian province of As-Sweida.
He further elaborated on the challenges facing Syria, pointing to conspiracies starting from the Syrian coast and As-Sweida, extending to actions by the Syrian Democratic Forces. Fidan insisted on the necessity of scrutinizing these issues to devise solutions that can dismantle the conspiracies and obstacles facing the region.
He accused Israel of seeking to create chaos and anarchy in Syria, asserting that Israel’s strength should not stem from the weakness of neighboring nations. Fidan warned that Israel’s occupation-driven policies result in chaos and instability.
The Turkish Foreign Minister reiterated Ankara’s alignment with the Syrian government’s stance on maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity, stressing the importance of a unified Syria.
Fidan criticized the Syrian Democratic Forces for their inconsistent positions since the March 10 agreement, questioning their motives and the support they are receiving. He warned that persistent armed actions backed by foreign entities would adversely affect the Kurds and all Syrian communities.
Fidan also mentioned Turkey’s active monitoring of developments and its dialogue with US Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack, emphasizing the importance of collaborative solutions despite differing viewpoints. He urged the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) to abandon their current strategies and seize the opportunity to contribute to rebuilding Syria.
Addressing the Kurdish fighters, Fidan stated that Turkey is offering a chance for change and cooperation with the new Syrian government. He called for a shift in policy to support Syria’s reconstruction.
Fidan highlighted ongoing efforts with regional countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, and Iraq to aid Syria’s recovery.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Sheibani echoed these concerns, cautioning against supporting chaos in Syria. He noted the need for enhanced political, economic, security, and military cooperation to control borders and fight terrorism.
Al-Sheibani underscored the threat of major foreign interventions and sectarian strife, identifying Israeli interventions as the greatest challenge. He criticized events in Sweida, attributing them to Israeli provocations aimed at sowing division.
He dismissed the conference in Hasakah as unrepresentative of the Syrian populace, violating the March 10 agreement.
Al-Sheibani’s visit to Ankara was part of an official Syrian delegation including Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Director Hussein al-Salama.