Minister Fidan: Those who threaten Syria's integrity should leave the country.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, met with the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Federal Cultural Institutions, Bernard Quintin, in Ankara. After the meeting, Fidan answered questions related to the agenda during a joint press conference.

"WE WANT TERROR ELEMENTS TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY"

In his statement, Fidan said, "The PKK terrorist organization in Syria threatens not only Syria but also Turkey and neighboring countries. We want the terror elements to leave the country. If there is any majority or minority that feels troubled in the new era in Syria, regardless of who they are, Turkey is the protector of them as well."

The key points from Minister Fidan's statements are as follows:

"THERE IS NO PLACE FOR TERROR IN SYRIA"

There is no place for terror in Syria. We want the groups that stand against the unity of the country, which are a threat to Turkey and neighboring countries, to leave the country. Turkey acts based on certain principles in its foreign policy. Just as millions of Sunnis and Arabs were displaced during the oppression of the Assad regime, Turkey did not hesitate to care for the refugees who sought shelter from this oppression, and in the new era, regardless of who they are, it will be the protector of them as well.

"WE STAND WITH THE OPPRESSED"

Turkey acts based on certain principles in its foreign policy. At the forefront of these principles is that we look at what is being done and how it is being done, rather than who is doing it or to whom it is being done. During the oppression of the Assad regime, millions of Sunni Arabs were displaced from their homes. Among them are Turks as well. They had to go to other countries. Turkey did not hesitate to accept the refugees who sought shelter from this oppression. It has been concerned about their plight and has not hesitated to take steps to ensure that they find an environment where they can live in peace in the future of Syria. In this new era, if there is any majority or minority in Syria that feels troubled and anxious, regardless of who they are—whether they are Nusayris, Alawites, Yazidis, Christians, or anyone else—Turkey is the protector of them as well, just as it is for others. We are making every effort to ensure that they do not face any trouble in Syria, and the new administration in Syria is extremely sensitive about this issue. God willing, nothing will happen, but in case something does, our President is very sensitive about this matter, with clear principles. Whoever is oppressed, we stand with the oppressed and engage in the necessary solidarity with them. Therefore, we look at what is being done, not who it is being done to.