Striking statements from Hakan Fidan on the Syria agenda and international issues

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made assessments regarding Syria, Palestine, and global developments during a program he attended on the Qatar-based Al Jazeera television. Answering questions from Al Jazeera reporter Resul Serdar Ataş, Fidan made striking evaluations, particularly regarding current developments in Syria and the agreement reached between the YPG and the interim Syrian administration.

Emphasizing that the agreement reached is of great importance, Fidan stated, "As Turkey, we support this as a matter of principle, as long as the parties reach an agreement. However, we have our own national security interests and red lines. The agreements made between the Damascus government and the SDF are also being handled with this sensitivity."

Stating that the ceasefire environment in Syria provides American forces with the opportunity to transport ISIS detainees to Iraq, Fidan said, "I think everyone should help with this. As Turkey, we are making efforts for a solution together with the Americans."

When asked how Turkey views a police structure led by Kurds in Syria, Fidan gave the following response: "The SDF is the Syrian extension of the PKK. However, we truly value the Syrian Kurds and believe they should be treated fairly."

THERE ARE LEFTIST ORGANIZATIONS, NO ONE KNOWS

Drawing attention to the leftist structures in Syria and their threats against Turkey, Fidan stated, "There is a point that the world public does not know much about: there are approximately 300 armed individuals belonging to Turkish leftist organizations in the regions under SDF control, and they are actively seeking to attack Turkey. We know them all and are working to eliminate them."

Regarding the YPG and SDF, he said, "In accordance with the principle of a sovereign and unitary state, there should be a single army in Syria. It is possible for the police and other structures to be organized between Damascus and the SDF."

Fidan also emphasized that US President Donald Trump's approach to Syria significantly overlaps with Turkey's perspective. He stated Turkey's position by saying, "It is important for the new Syrian administration to adapt to the international community. We also support ceasefire efforts in Gaza and Ukraine."

In his assessment of developments in Gaza, Fidan pointed to the development of peace plans and said, "The Peace Council plays a new platform for a solution in Gaza and a central role for humanitarian aid. We are ready to contribute to an International Stabilization Force."

Regarding the cessation of trade relations with Israel, Fidan stated that this was a reaction against Israel's policies in the region and that Turkey's main issue concerns Israel's practices toward Palestinians, especially in Gaza.

Regarding the potential tension between Iran and Israel, Fidan stated that Israel wants to target military structures in Iran, but that a regime change will not occur through external military intervention.

Emphasizing Turkey's mediation role in the Russia-Ukraine war and peace initiatives, Fidan said, "We are in constant contact with all parties; we are closer to a ceasefire than we have ever been before. Turkey is undertaking an important facilitating role in prisoner exchanges and humanitarian issues."

Touching upon the geopolitical debates between the US and Europe, Fidan stated that the Greenland issue, the future of NATO, and changes in the European security architecture have led to heated debates on the Western front. He said that America's possible withdrawal from the European security system has caused concern among European allies.

Fidan's statements once again revealed Turkey's position regarding regional balances and international relations.

News Source: 12punto