Minister Fidan: We spoke with Russia and Iran in Doha, they made a phone call and Assad left that evening
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan evaluated developments in Syria during a live broadcast he attended. Fidan made statements on many issues, from the new administration in Syria to the embassy to be opened in Damascus and the return of Syrian refugees in Turkey.
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Explaining the change in Syria and Turkey's stance during this process, Foreign Minister Fidan made a striking statement, particularly regarding the Syrian National Army.
Fidan explained the importance of Turkey's support for the Syrian National Army in his interview with NTV with the following words:
We hosted millions of people, this number could have increased...
If the Syrian National Army had not been supported and if we had not defended their rights, the Syrian opposition would not only have been destroyed on different platforms, but millions of additional refugees would have come to Turkey.
The Turkish people patiently hosted them and shared their bread for more than 10 years, but this number could have increased even further.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan used the following expressions regarding Turkey's goal in the new era:
Our current goal is to invite other countries in the world to support and embrace the newly established government in Damascus and to bring stability back to Syria.
SPOKE ABOUT THE DAMASCUS EMBASSY
Minister Fidan said that the chargé d'affaires in Damascus has set off with his entire team and that the embassy will reopen tomorrow.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM MINISTER FİDAN'S STATEMENTS:
-The regime ignored its shortcomings; we had made a sincere call to them, our call went unanswered
-The opposition advanced easily; the Assad regime had already been very weak for 2-3 years
-We spoke with Russia and Iran; the opposition's advance needed to be bloodless
-The opposition must act inclusively; they already have experience in governance
-Stability must be ensured in Syria
-We spoke with Russia and Iran in Doha; they also made a phone call and Assad left that evening
-We want a Syria without terrorism; we are trying to take steps that will be in the interest of the Syrian people
-The new administration will be insistent on territorial integrity. The YPG will no longer find ground. PKK elements within the YPG must leave the country. No harm should come to the Kurds
-Israel may lead to provocations. We warned Israel; they must take their steps in Syria carefully.
THE SITUATION OF SYRIANS IN TURKEY
-We do not expect Syrians who have established a system and life in Turkey for years to leave the country all of a sudden, but these returns will happen over time. We are hearing about such developments. I believe that voluntary return will take place as conditions in Syria improve.