12.12.2025 00:20
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made an assessment regarding current issues on the Al Jazeera Arabic television channel. Speaking about Syria, Fidan stated, "There is a relationship, a correlation between Israel's activities in Syria and the reluctance of the SDF. This needs to be said now. This is not a decision made solely by the YPG."
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated, "There is a relationship between Israel's activity in Syria and the reluctance of the SDF. This is not a decision made solely by the YPG."
Minister Fidan made an assessment regarding the agenda on the Qatar-based Al Jazeera Arabic television channel.
STRIKING SDF STATEMENT
Regarding the March 10 agreement reached between the terrorist organization PKK/YPG, which uses the name SDF in Syria, and the Syrian government, and the fact that this agreement has not yet been implemented, Fidan said, "Of course, there is a relationship, a proportion between Israel's activity in Syria and the SDF's reluctance. This is something that needs to be said. This is not a decision made solely by the YPG."
"THE PICTURE WE WANT TO SEE IS PEACE AND TRANQUILITY"
Expressing his hope that the problems between the Syrian government and PKK/YPG would be resolved through dialogue, Fidan stated, "The Syrian Kurds will be comfortable, the Arabs will be comfortable, everyone will be comfortable. The picture we want to see is peace and tranquility beyond our borders, for the Syrian people. However, it is not good to set policies based on signals from external actors by falling into their games."
"WHEN ISRAEL REACHES AN AGREEMENT WITH SYRIA, YPG WILL COME TOO"
In response to a question about whether there is coordination between the SDF and Israel, Fidan replied, "Of course, you will see that when Israel reaches a certain agreement with Syria, the YPG will also come."
Regarding the possibilities if an agreement cannot be reached between the SDF and the Syrian government, Fidan said, "I hope there will be no conflict. As I said, conflict is not in anyone's interest. The civilian population suffers from it. I hope it does not happen, and I hope the YPG/PKK fulfills its responsibilities. There is currently a plan for armed elements to be gathered under a single roof, under a national army. I hope progress is made in this regard. I hope we do not see another war."
Fidan commented on claims that there is a "race" between Turkey and Israel in the Syrian arena, saying: "Who will help Syria's security, unity, and integrity more? Not occupation, division, killing, or bombing. We do not see ourselves in the same effort, the same league, or the same position as Israel in this regard. This is important, as one is pursuing imperial expansion while the other is in cooperation and support."
SECOND STAGE OF THE PEACE PLAN IN GAZA
Fidan noted that the current stage of the Gaza peace process was not easily reached and pointed out that not everything desired has been realized at this stage, stating:
"Humanitarian aid is going in certain amounts, but entry and exit remain problematic. The provisions foreseen in the peace plan are not being implemented much, and unfortunately, Israel continues to kill Palestinians every day. However, when you look at the violence of the previous war, the severity of the massacre, the current situation is truly a breath of fresh air for people, which is why we support it. It needs to continue. It needs to be taken further."
"WORK AT THE UN HAS ENDED"
Fidan drew attention to the steps that need to be taken in the second stage of the peace plan, saying, "First, there was a need to get a decision from the United Nations (UN) Security Council for the second stage. The work on that has ended, and a decision has been made. Now there are certain provisions in that decision that need to be implemented."
Fidan emphasized that a significant responsibility falls on the U.S. and President Donald Trump, stating, "We have a great effort from here. We are expecting some steps to be taken in this regard in the coming days. Especially the establishment of the Peace Council is very important. The transfer of administration to the Palestinians, the transfer to a Palestinian technical committee by Hamas, and the establishment of a police force are all significant issues."
"WE ARE READY TO TAKE ON ANY RESPONSIBILITY"
Regarding the International Stabilization Force, Fidan said, "With the political will of our President (Recep Tayyip Erdoğan), Turkey is ready to take on any responsibility in solving the Palestinian issue and achieving peace. We are ready to take on any responsibility with our brothers in the region and international stakeholders. If it is necessary to send troops for peace, we are also ready to do that."
Fidan stated that Israel does not want Turkey to be part of the International Stabilization Force, saying, "Of course, Israel is not the sole decision-maker in this plan. We do not know what America and other regional countries will show in terms of conditions. Our stance here is clear and definite. The stance of other countries that will send forces is also clear. If the Americans reach a certain negotiation point with Israel, that would be great for us. If they do not, it is their business."
SYRIA-ISRAEL SECURITY AGREEMENT
Regarding statements about whether there is a security agreement between Syria and Israel and Syria's options on this matter, Fidan stated: "No one should encroach on anyone else's border. Israel's border recognized by the United Nations is clear, and Syria's is clear. When you go beyond that, just because you have power and support behind you, you say you can do this, history may offer you an opportunity for now. But one day, when power is in someone else's hands, the same retaliation will be made against you. No one will recognize your border this time. Therefore, while there is time, come and adhere to the agreements established by the international system."
"TURKEY USES ITS POWER FOR STABILITY"
Fidan emphasized that Turkey's policy has always been aimed at calming, ceasefire, peace, development, and tranquility, stating, "Turkey uses all its power for stability. Whether in Gaza, Syria, Ukraine, or Africa."
Fidan noted that from the perspective of Ukraine, the problems have reached a certain point at this time and stated that the coming days are very critical.
Fidan mentioned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will soon send the conditions for an alternative peace plan to the U.S., recalling that an initial plan of 28 articles emerged, which was later reduced to 20 articles by the Europeans.
Fidan recalled that discussions were held with the Russians on that plan, their response was conveyed to the U.S., and then discussions were held again with Ukraine, stating that Ukraine has been having intense discussions with European countries this week and that a counter-offer will come soon. While these offers are being discussed, Fidan pointed out that the war continues on the ground, and the dynamics of the war are constantly changing in favor of or against the parties.
"EUROPE SHOULD HELP UKRAINE MAKE DIFFICULT CHOICES"
Fidan pointed out that the Russians currently appear to be advancing, stating, "Here, Europe needs to assist Ukraine in making certain difficult choices together."
Some choices, some decisions are very difficult decisions for Ukraine. But to prevent greater losses, that is, to avert a greater evil for a greater good, a wrong must be eliminated here... In other words, a choice must be made. I know it is hard for them. Especially the issue of land is incredibly difficult. May God not put anyone in such a situation," he said.
Minister Fidan, who stated that these choices are difficult and that there are also demands for guarantees for the future, noted that these are also challenging and that Turkey continues to facilitate negotiations between the two sides.
Fidan emphasized that Istanbul is ready to host again, recalling that they hosted three rounds of talks last summer.
Recalling that significant progress was made in these talks regarding prisoner exchanges and other humanitarian issues, Fidan said, "Today, it also laid the groundwork for the ongoing negotiations. We are ready to play this positive role. Look, right now the Black Sea has become an extension of the war. The war has spread in the Black Sea. Currently, commercial ships and tankers are being attacked in the Black Sea. If the war continues, it will spread to other places, to other parts of Europe as well. God forbid, it needs to stop here."