20.03.2025 18:10
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in response to journalists' questions about his visit to Damascus, stated, "We emphasized that the destruction of the organization's military capabilities is an important issue for us." Fidan also outlined the conditions they communicated to the Syrian government regarding the terrorist organization YPG.
```html
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in a statement regarding his visit to Damascus, the capital of Syria, stated that the most important issue during the visit was the terrorist organization YPG and explained the conditions they presented to the Syrian administration.
Minister Fidan met with some members of the press at an iftar program last night. Speaking about his visit to Damascus and the presence of the terrorist organization PKK/YPG in Syria, Fidan noted that the most prominent issue during the visit was the "YPG" matter.
"WE HIGHLIGHTED ISSUES THAT COULD BE A CAUSE FOR CONCERN"
Fidan stated that all issues and concerns prioritized by Turkey were brought to the agenda, saying, "In the context of the agreement made by the new administration with the SDF, we clearly conveyed our perspective on issues such as the organization's intentions, capabilities, and control over energy resources. Based on our years of experience in combating terrorism and our knowledge about the PKK, we highlighted issues that could be a cause for concern. We saw that the Syrian administration shares the same intentions and perspective with us."
Fidan, who stated, "In terms of its current structure, the YPG is an integral part of the PKK. It is unnecessary to even discuss it," reminded that issues such as how the organization would take steps within the framework of the agreement and what the timeline would be were addressed in Damascus.
YPG CONDITION FOR THE SYRIAN ADMINISTRATION
Fidan emphasized, "We highlighted that the destruction of the organization's military capabilities is an important issue for us. Of course, some issues come to the forefront to ensure this. The first of these is the command and control issue. It is very important that the existing elements dissolve themselves and come under the control of the central government." He stressed that having critical capabilities such as weapons, missile production, and air defense systems is absolutely unacceptable.
Pointing out that another issue is the individuals joining the YPG from outside, Fidan stated: "There is absolutely no place for them. The existing elements should dissolve, lay down their arms, and come fully under the control of the central government; this is a necessity. The central government must have the capability to take command."
"KURDS IN SYRIA SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY"
Fidan expressed that all developments would be closely monitored in the ongoing process, stating that it is necessary to be cautious and not lose control, reiterating that the process would be closely followed.
Fidan emphasized that the rights that were not granted to the Kurds living in Syria during the Assad era should be given, and that it is essential to treat everyone as equal citizens, noting that the Syrian administration is also quite sensitive on this issue.
"ARMED GROUPS WILL NOT FIND A LIVING SPACE"
Minister Fidan stated that another issue they are working on is "the return of displaced Syrians to their homeland," indicating that "in an environment where security is established, armed groups will not find a living space."
Fidan mentioned that Turkey expresses the unity and integrity of Syria on every platform, stating, "The armed groups inside should dissolve themselves and connect to the central government, which will positively affect the atmosphere of unity and solidarity in the country. Likewise, as steps are taken towards the YPG transferring all its existence and authority to the central government as a result of the agreement reached with the central government, I believe that the unity and integrity within Syria will be ensured." In response to journalists' questions about his visit to Damascus, he stated, "We highlighted that the destruction of the organization's military capabilities is an important issue for us."
```