Hakan Fidan's remarks on PKK: I think the time has come

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made assessments regarding the agenda during a broadcast on TRT World.

Stating that since US President Donald Trump took office, he has been questioning the real arguments of the current international system with a new "American perspective," Fidan noted his belief that he is sending "shock waves" to the entire world.

Pointing out that Trump is seeking "what more" the US can obtain from the current system, Fidan said, "Because from their point of view, the US is receiving less than it gives. For this reason, they are questioning all relationships, the economy, trade, technology, and security."

Fidan assessed that Ankara has demonstrated good leadership against problems such as terrorism and instability in Syria, Iraq, and other places, and has "proven time and again that it is not only fighting against these but is also a reliable ally and partner."

THE SITUATION IN SYRIA AND THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS

Stating that they also discussed the situation in Syria with his US counterpart Rubio, Fidan said he believes US officials are currently formulating their own policies and that time is needed for detailed discussions.

Stating that while the new administration in Syria is working on some very difficult issues, stopping the occupation of the terrorist organization PKK/YPG is also among their priorities, Fidan said, "We need to get rid of the PKK for the interests of both Syria and Turkey, as well as Iraq and the Kurds."

Emphasizing that the terrorist organization PKK is a "multi-purpose terrorist organization," Fidan used the expressions, "They are not just targeting Turkey. They are targeting Iran, they are targeting Iraq, they are targeting Syria. Therefore, I think the time has come to get rid of this virus together."

FIGHT AGAINST ISIS

Touching upon the importance of regional countries taking ownership of the terror issue and establishing a platform to address it in order to ensure that the terrorist organization ISIS does not re-emerge, Fidan recalled Turkey's proposal regarding the establishment of such a platform.

Referring to the importance of intelligence in this regard, Fidan stated that there is a need for a structured mechanism and that this would be a good start not only for the ISIS issue but also for working on border security.

Pointing out that interventions made in the region to "solve the terror problem" cause other problems, Fidan emphasized the importance of regional ownership to prevent these from happening.

CEASEFIRE IN GAZA

Assessing that developments in the region show that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not intend to maintain the ceasefire in Gaza, Fidan said, "As soon as he gets all the hostages, his (Netanyahu's) intention is unfortunately to restart the war. Because other than the Americans, there is neither pressure nor any other power to stop him."

Emphasizing that US President Trump and his administration should have the duty to prevent another genocide in Gaza, Fidan underlined that otherwise, the messages Trump expressed during his election campaign about stopping wars would be in vain.

Noting his hope that negotiators from both sides will resolve the necessary details to move to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, Fidan said, "The next two weeks are of great importance in terms of moving to the second phase."

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND TURKEY

Touching upon Turkey's position in the field of artificial intelligence, Fidan said, "As a government, our awareness is very high. We are very conscious about the benefits of artificial intelligence."

Stating that AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has instructed the relevant ministries to work intensively on this issue, Fidan said, "We are open to working on cooperation and joint ventures with other countries and other foreign companies, as well as our domestic companies, starting from our defense industry base to other digital companies."

Emphasizing that the Minister of Industry and Technology is working on a plan regarding the subject, Fidan said, "I meet with them regularly, because this is a very competitive field and international regulations are also needed, so I am trying to follow it very closely."

Pointing out that it is difficult to catch up to the position China and the US are in regarding artificial intelligence, Minister Fidan said, "However, this is not just our problem; some other countries, especially in Europe, are facing the same problem. Perhaps we could be part of a joint regional or international pact to work on artificial intelligence as an alternative."