Breaking News... Statement on Syria from Hakan Fidan: 'Syrians can now return'

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke in Qatar. Fidan's statements are as follows:

Stating that the regime had been earning money from drugs to survive, Minister Fidan said, "As of this morning, Syria has reached a new phase. The Syrian people will reshape the future of their country. Today, we have hope. The Syrian people cannot achieve this alone. The international community needs to support the Syrian people."

Stating that Turkey attaches importance to Syria's national unity, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, Minister Fidan said, "Millions of Syrians who were forced to leave their country can now return home. The new administration must be structured in an orderly manner. The principle of inclusivity must never be compromised, and there should be no goal of revenge."

"TURKEY WILL TAKE STEPS TO COMBAT TERRORISM"

Stating that it is now time for unity and rebuilding the country, Minister Fidan said, "We call on all actors in the region and outside the region to act carefully and calmly today. It is necessary not to lead the region into further instability. Syria's territorial integrity and prosperity must be protected."

Emphasizing that great care must be taken during the transition period, Minister Fidan said, "We are in contact with different groups. We are doing our best to ensure that terrorist organizations, especially DAESH and the PKK, do not take advantage of this situation. Turkey will take all necessary steps to combat terrorism. All minorities, Christians, Kurds, and non-Muslims must be treated fairly."

Emphasizing that the new government must act in an inclusive manner toward all parties, that all opposition forces must unite, and that state institutions must be protected and ensured to function correctly, Minister Fidan said, "We will do our best to establish peace and security in Syria."

MINISTER FIDAN ANSWERED QUESTIONS

Minister Fidan answered questions from members of the press during the remainder of the meeting.

Stating that he could not answer the question of where Assad is, Fidan expressed that he is likely outside of Syria.

Regarding the question of what Turkey is doing to ensure Syria experiences a stable transition process, he said, "We have been making efforts for a very long time for the stability of Syria. We know the actors and the problems closely. These are difficult problems and we need to work very intensively. We need to work together with the Syrian people. It is not just Turkey, but regional and international actors that need to be involved as well. For a very good and smooth transition process, the civilian population must not be harmed and basic services must be provided. Regional countries need to see the new administration and the new Syria as a structure that does not pose a threat to its neighbors. Syria must respond to its current problems and prevent these threats."

News Source: 12punto