Statement from Damascus on Turkey: 'A process of Turkification is being carried out'

Bouthaina Shaaban, an advisor to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, emphasized that Turkey's intentions in its relations with Syria are entirely aimed at its own interests. Shaaban stated that Turkey must withdraw from Syrian territory, expressing that they would only participate in negotiations if this condition is accepted.

'A PROCESS OF TURKIFICATION IS BEING CARRIED OUT'

Claiming that Turkey is displaying an occupying stance in northwestern Syria, Shaaban said, "Today, Turkey is occupying a part of our land, which is a rich part of Syria, and is carrying out a dangerous process of Turkification there." Stating that this situation is unacceptable, Shaaban reiterated that any negotiation with Turkey is contingent upon the principle of withdrawal from Syrian territory.

NORMALIZATION PROCESS IS MISLEADING

Describing the proposals Turkey has presented regarding the normalization process with Syria as "misleading," Shaaban stated that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's desire for rapprochement with Syria before the elections was solely aimed at winning the elections. Shaaban said, “Erdoğan brought up rapprochement with Syria before the elections, but no concrete steps were taken. We will not sit at the negotiating table as long as Turkey does not accept the condition of withdrawing from Syrian territory.”

'NO PROGRESS CAN BE MADE WITHOUT ACCEPTING WITHDRAWAL'

Shaaban stated that they are not demanding an immediate withdrawal by Turkey, but that the negotiation process will not begin unless this principle is accepted. The Syrian administration maintains its determination to protect its territorial integrity and end Turkey's occupation.

News Source: 12punto