08.01.2025 08:50
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan responded to a question about whether a military operation would be conducted in Syria by saying, "Why is Turkey's word effective? Because we are deterrent, because we have power. In other words, when necessary, when tricks are played against us, we certainly have the means to respond. We have foresight. They need to know that we will not shy away from fighting." Fidan also reiterated Turkey's conditions.
As a new era begins in Syria following the overthrow of the 61-year Baath regime, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made striking statements during a live broadcast he attended.
FIDAN'S "OPERATION" STATEMENT
In response to the question, "Will Turkey conduct a military operation in Syria despite the USA?" Fidan said, "If God has given us reason, if there is this much wisdom around, if there is truth, we should learn from it. I always say this to our interlocutors, let's continue our path together from here.
If you suspect something from me, everything is clear. But we also need to be prepared for this. Why is Turkey's word effective? Because we are deterrent, because we have power, meaning that when necessary, when tricks are played against us, we certainly have the means to express our reaction. We have foresight. They need to know that we will not shy away from fighting.
"TERRORIST FIGHTERS NEED TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY"
The ultimatum we gave them is clear. We have given it through the Americans, we have given it through the press. To whom? To the YPG. Those who qualify as international terrorist fighters, who have come from Turkey, Iran, and Iraq, need to leave. PKK personnel need to leave the country. Currently, we do not see any preparation for this, nor do we see any intention, frankly. And we are waiting. We say ultimatums or conditions for this reason. If you do not want a military operation, the conditions are clear, both from our side and from the new administration in Syria. These conditions are presented very simply, faithfully, without hiding anything from anyone. What are our conditions for you? The terrorist fighters coming from other international countries need to leave the country.
"HIGH-LEVEL MANAGERS NEED TO LEAVE SYRIA"
The PKK management cadre needs to leave the country. The high-level executives of the terrorist organization need to leave Syria. They know themselves; we have their names. The subsequent cadres need to lay down their arms and integrate into the new system. This is a bloodless, problem-free transition. In return, those who are not PKK members, the honorable Syrian Kurds, need to participate in normal life and live without any harm to their lives or property. In other words, the new Syrian administration guarantees this to us. Because this is also among our conditions.
The lives and properties of Syrian Kurdish citizens will also be secured, and they will participate in the new administration. They will exist there as equal citizens. Of course, we want a guarantee for that as well. Because during the Assad era, some Kurds were not granted citizenship. They were not given identity. When I was the head of MIT, some of the meetings I held before this revolution, before the civil war, were aimed at resolving this issue at the instruction of our President. I mean, it is a pity for these people. They cannot build a life for themselves; they end up in the arms of the PKK or fall into other mafias. It harms you and harms the region. Such a thing cannot happen. Inhumane treatment cannot occur. Right now, this needs to be eliminated, of course," he said.