Türkiye Says SDF Shows No Progress in Talks with Damascus, Calls for Regional Stability Measures
Damascus, The Gulf Observer: The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have shown no willingness to make meaningful progress in negotiations on integration with the government in Damascus, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Monday.
Speaking at a joint news conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani following their meeting in Damascus, Fidan said, “We see that the SDF has no real intention of making significant progress in the negotiations on integration with the Damascus administration.” He added that the group’s actions, including coordination with Israel, have become a serious impediment to ongoing talks.
“The fact that the SDF carries out some of its activities in coordination with Israel currently represents a major obstacle in the discussions being held with Damascus,” Fidan noted.
The foreign minister emphasized that the meetings covered wide-ranging issues, primarily bilateral relations, regional security, and threats to Syria’s stability. The remarks came as Fidan, Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, and intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin are on a working visit to Damascus.
The delegation is expected to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and other senior officials to review Turkish–Syrian relations over the past year following the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime. Discussions will also focus on implementing the March 10 agreement, which aligns with Türkiye’s national security priorities, as well as emerging security risks in southern Syria linked to Israel’s actions.
Repeal of US Caesar Act to Support Regional Stability
Fidan stressed that Syria’s stability is closely tied to Türkiye’s security, describing the issue as a top priority for Ankara. He noted significant progress in regional stability and security and highlighted the benefits of repealing the US Caesar Act, which imposed sanctions on Syria, saying it would facilitate investment and economic recovery.
“The lifting of the Caesar Act will be a major contribution to regional stability. I believe our brothers and sisters in Syria will make the best possible use of this opportunity,” Fidan said, also acknowledging the contributions of all parties involved, including former US President Donald Trump, in creating conditions for progress.
