Turkish FM Calls US Officials’ Meeting with New Syrian Leadership ‘Very Significant’
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has described the recent visit of a US delegation to the Syrian capital, Damascus, as “very significant.” The delegation’s meeting with the new administration, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), follows similar visits by European countries and international organizations to engage with the new leadership in Syria.
In an interview, Fidan emphasized the importance of these interactions, noting, “Before this visit, we’ve seen other European countries and international organizations visiting Damascus and contacting the new administration there. I think it is important.”
Fidan also revealed plans to visit Damascus himself, expressing his intention to meet with the new administration in Syria. He further explained that HTS remains on Türkiye’s list of terrorist organizations due to its designation by the United Nations, stating that Türkiye adheres to UN Security Council resolutions.
Despite this, Fidan acknowledged that HTS has not been involved in terrorist activities over the past decade, a point recognized by both Türkiye and Western intelligence agencies. He added that HTS has cooperated with Türkiye, particularly in intelligence sharing in the fight against Daesh and al-Qaeda-related groups. “Over the years, they cooperated with us in providing intelligence on Daesh and al-Qaeda-related organizations,” Fidan explained.
Addressing the broader Syrian conflict, Fidan reiterated Türkiye’s efforts to create conditions for the safe return of Syrian refugees, emphasizing that returns should be voluntary. He noted that a significant increase in returns is anticipated in the near future.
Regarding international military presence in Syria, Fidan criticized the US for using the fight against Daesh as a pretext for maintaining military forces in the region. He called for a mutual understanding on issues such as the handling of Daesh prisoners and ensuring the security and rights of local populations, including Kurds, Arabs, and Turkmen.
On the issue of the PKK/YPG in northeastern Syria, Fidan stated that the group is an “artificial” terrorist organization that should be disbanded, calling for Syria’s new administration to address the issue. He emphasized that Türkiye would take necessary actions to protect its national security if the situation does not improve.
Fidan also touched on the situation in Gaza, expressing optimism that Israel and Hamas are moving closer to a ceasefire, but cautioning that the exact timing remains uncertain. He further expressed concerns about the potential for a war between Israel and Iran, although he noted that Iran seeks to avoid such a conflict.
