25.05.2025 20:10
The U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria, Tom Barrack, made striking statements. Barrack said, "The Sykes-Picot agreement divided Syria and a larger region not for peace, but for imperial gain. This mistake has cost generations. We will not make this mistake again."
The U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria, Tom Barrack, stated, "The Sykes-Picot (agreement) divided Syria and a larger region not for peace but for imperial gain. This mistake has cost generations. We will not do this again."
Tom Barrack, who was appointed to the U.S. Embassy in Ankara in recent weeks and also took on the role of Special Representative for Syria by the decision of U.S. President Donald Trump, made statements that created a stir.
REFERRED TO THE SECRET AGREEMENT AS A 'MISTAKE'
Barack, who said, "The West imposed maps, mandates, drawn borders, and foreign administrations a century ago," also spoke about the secret agreement made on May 6, 1916, between the British Empire and France, which was later joined by Russia, regarding the division of the Ottoman Empire's territories in the Middle East.
Barack stated, "The Sykes-Picot (agreement) divided Syria and a larger region not for peace but for imperial gain. This mistake has cost generations. We will not do this again."
"THE ERA OF WESTERN INTERVENTION HAS ENDED"
Continuing his statements, the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara said, "The era of Western intervention has ended. The future is based on regional solutions, partnerships, and diplomacy grounded in respect," and added, "As President Trump emphasized, the days when Western interveners flew to the Middle East to lecture on how to live and how to manage your own affairs are over."
"WE STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH THE SYRIAN PEOPLE"
Barack concluded his statements by saying, "The tragedy of Syria was born out of division. The rebirth of Syria must be realized with dignity, unity, and investment in its people. We stand with Turkey, the Gulf, and Europe - this time not with soldiers, speeches, or imaginary borders, but shoulder to shoulder with the Syrian people themselves."
WHAT IS THE SYKES-PICOT AGREEMENT?
The Sykes-Picot Agreement is known as the secret agreement made on May 16, 1916, between the British Empire and France, which was later joined by Russia, regarding the division of the Ottoman Empire's territories in the Middle East. The agreement was revealed by the new Soviet Government that came to power in Russia in 1917.