26.07.2025 02:06
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the implementation of the agreement signed on March 10 between the Syrian government and the terrorist organization YPG, which is part of the political structure in the country known as SDF, is expected, and that the YPG is expected to lay down its arms. Minister Fidan emphasized that the YPG must act without delay, stating, "It is unacceptable for armed structures to continue to exist in this country by using certain things as an excuse."
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, made evaluations regarding the agenda during a live broadcast program he attended.
Here are the key points from Minister Fidan's statements:
"WE WILL INTERVENE IN SYRIA" "The importance of Syria for Turkey's national security is undeniable. Our neighbors are vital living spaces for us. We do not want to be preoccupied with the problems here. These issues return to our lands as migration, economic stagnation, and similar problems. Our number one goal is to ensure stability, calm, and security in the region. We do not have a hegemonic approach. We have seen actors who would benefit from the division and instability of Syria struggling in the pit of despair and hopelessness that Syria is in. We believe that Israel has such an aim. Netanyahu has expressed this openly. We have seen that some other groups have mobilized, taking advantage of the events in Sweida. As the government, we had to give our warning. Because we want unity and integrity in Syria. The groups there need to find the golden balance and proceed with that formula. We send the same message to Israel through both our intelligence channels and our interlocutors. We have no hidden agenda. We say that no country should pose a threat to Syria, and Syria should not pose a threat to anyone. This is our understanding. As the children of the region, we need to manage to live in peace and establish this system.
CONFLICTS IN SOUTHERN SYRIA It was an effort by the central government to intervene neutrally. Israel prevented the Syrian administration from intervening in the Bedouin-Druze conflict. Negotiations between the parties are ongoing. The central government should be neutral, and Shara behaves accordingly.
WHAT DOES THE US WANT IN SYRIA? We have seen that the US is constructive in a Syrian equation without Israel. The US representative for Syria has a unique vision.
WARNING TO YPG/SDG As the process continues, now that the situation in Sweida has emerged, an agenda shift inevitably arises. However, our agenda does not shift. It is important for the SDG to reach an agreement with the central government without wasting time, to take genuine and unconditional steps for this agreement to be activated, and for Turkey to be a witness for security. It is unacceptable for armed structures to continue to exist in this country by using certain things as an excuse. Tom Barrack's statement towards the SDG is a timely call.
WILL SDG INTEGRATE INTO SYRIA? We have no right to let our country and our people live the next 40 years like the previous 40 years by repeatedly experiencing the PKK scenario in Iraq and the PKK scenario in Syria. While the process continues, our citizens should not be worried. Our expectation is that there will be no remaining threats. There are armed elements in Iraq, Syria, and Iran. All of these are issues that need to be monitored. We have expelled the PKK from these lands in the last 10 years; it is a plague in Syria and Iraq. We can say 'what do I care' about this. A transformation is possible with a more civilized understanding without using the language of weapons and conflict. We are working to prevent the organization from becoming a plague for the people and other countries.
THE PROCESS OF PKK'S DISARMAMENT The process has reached a certain stage. However, we are a state. As a state, we need to follow certain sensitivities. The state does not fall into a game, nor does it play a game. We try to do what we talk about. Our expectation is that there will be no remaining threats towards ourselves. It should also be known that it is fine for a group of the KCK to dissolve itself, but what will happen to the other groups is important. We do not sanctify the method. If it is to be discussed, it should be done properly; if it is to be fought, it should be done properly. In the new period, there is an opportunity between the parties. There is a chance.
CEASEFIRE IN GAZA This frenzy will come to an end at some point and time. Will it only cause trouble for Israel, or will it cause problems for the world in general? We will see. But it is now evident that there are problems for the world in general. Recently, many countries have started to react. There are three areas that are blocked. When there is a ceasefire, who will distribute humanitarian aid? The parties cannot agree on this. Hamas says 'let the UN distribute it,' Israel does not accept. How much will the Israeli ground forces in Gaza withdraw? The parties cannot agree. If these two items are accepted, the Hamas side wants guarantees after the hostages for the continuity of the ceasefire. Guarantees regarding this are being sought. Blockages are being observed. Israel is starving Gaza while also going from country to country saying to take Gazans. The current ongoing project is to depopulate Gaza. We continue to take precautions for this. Israel wants to send Gazans to another country.
PEACE TALKS BETWEEN RUSSIA AND UKRAINE In every meeting, there is a discussion about increasing the number of prisoners. The parties discussed under what conditions the leaders would meet. This was a topic that occupied us this week. A process is being conducted in which our President has adopted a very principled stance, and the institutions are very well coordinated. This war has very serious regional and global effects. Setting aside the humanitarian tragedy, huge cities have been devastated, and on top of that, we are facing a situation that could enable a larger war and division on the international stage. This is a complex and costly war. A war in which everything is used except nuclear weapons. In the meeting, the topic of under what conditions and how the leaders would come together was discussed. It was agreed in principle to hold a leaders' summit in Turkey. The negotiation teams have a great responsibility here. Now, as discussions continue slowly, I see a will to reach a consensus. If this continues, I believe a temporary solution will emerge. There is a hand that everyone has not opened. We are trying to create an environment.
EUROFIGHTER TALKS There is a multi-layered process. There are certain aircraft to be reviewed, local productions, etc. There are countries that have Eurofighter in their inventory. We have been in discussions for two to three years. The aircraft you acquire is not just about flying. There are many aspects such as personnel, ammunition, software, maintenance, and repairs. It is not a simple decision. You are changing a system. Our President has brought it to a certain level through discussions at his own level and through us as intermediaries. Hopefully, from now on, the technical teams will reach a point in their discussions with their counterparts on this matter. Unexpected conditions can arise before you. If there is a topic where they are politically stuck, they can come to us at that point.
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WILL SCHENGEN VISA BECOME EASIER? Several countries have taken opposition decisions. Intense diplomacy has been carried out on this issue. A very serious effort was made. As a result, such a decision was made. The steps to be taken with visa liberalization with Europe are important. This issue is significant for keeping Turkey's EU perspective alive.
IRAN-ISRAEL WAR The possibility of a new conflict is always possible. The parties are currently implementing the lessons learned from the 12-day war. Especially Israel can take a moment to look at these. I believe that Iran will not attack unless it is attacked. If a compromise is reached in the nuclear negotiations, I think we will not see a war.
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