German Minister arrives in Turkey with 8-point Syria plan

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is visiting Turkey to address developments in Syria. Baerbock will meet with her counterpart Hakan Fidan in Ankara and present an 8-point plan she has prepared for Syria.

In a statement made before departing for Turkey, Baerbock said, ''While thousands of people in Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs were dancing in the streets after the murderer Bashar al-Assad fled, people in Kobani held their breath again after the initial relief. They fear new violence. This shows us that: We are still far from peace. The future of Syria still hangs by a thread''.

Baerbock emphasized that Syria must initiate a dialogue process that includes all groups, stating that the plan she prepared supports a responsible policy that serves the interests of the Syrian people.

The German Minister stated that the reconstruction of Syria and the return of people would only be possible on the condition that no one lives in fear, adding that this situation is also important for Turkey, as there are more than 3 million Syrian refugees in Turkey.

Baerbock said, "We will only be able to contribute to the stabilization of Syria as an international community, and we must act together for the same goal," expressing that Syria's territorial integrity must be preserved and that powers wishing to ensure peace in the region must not allow opportunities for radical structures.

The 8-point plan prepared for ensuring stability and the reconstruction process in Syria focuses on priorities such as a peaceful transition of power, preventing foreign interference, and establishing a pragmatic dialogue with actors in the region. Baerbock stated that this plan offers a clear roadmap for the future of Syria. 

In a speech she gave at the German Bundestag last week, Baerbock had stated that the ongoing conflicts in northern Syria should be included in the country's reform process. 

She also said that she would clearly express during her talks in Turkey that Kurds in Syria must be included in the permanent peace process.

News Source: 12punto