Striking comments from Minister Fidan: 'It is a serious mistake for Trump to define the event in Syria this way'

Fidan said, "We are in a period where the Syrian people have urgent needs; these cannot be postponed. We must ensure that refugees can return to Syria.

There are also institutional problems there right now; bureaucracy and public services have unfortunately collapsed. Therefore, it is necessary to restore their functionality," he said.

Hakan Fidan made assessments regarding developments in the Middle East to the Qatar-based Al Jazeera television.

Regarding the claims of US President-elect Donald Trump about Turkey's role in the change of power in Syria, he stated, "This cannot be defined as a takeover. It would be a serious mistake to define the event happening in Syria in this way. From the perspective of the Syrian people, this is not a takeover. What is happening is that the will of the Syrian people is taking over the administration, taking control there."

When asked, "Wouldn't it be correct to say that the power that will govern Syria is with Turkey?", Fidan replied, "We would never want such a thing. I believe we have all learned great lessons from what has happened in our region," pointing out that the culture of domination has ruined the region.

"Therefore, there should be no Turkish domination, no Persian domination, and no Arab domination. We must base our approach on cooperation together," said Fidan, emphasizing that one should stand by the Syrian people and that this should not be seen as domination.

"YPG IS ESSENTIALLY AN EXTENSION OF THE PKK"

Fidan stated that the YPG, the Syrian branch of the PKK terrorist organization, poses a significant threat to Turkey, and expressed that the YPG is trying to maintain its presence and dominance in the places it occupies.

Emphasizing that the YPG tries to portray itself to the West as a group fighting against DAESH, Fidan noted the following:

"This is not a definition that accurately reflects their true identity. Because they are essentially there as a terrorist organization. Fighting against DAESH cannot be a sign of goodness on its own. Because there have been different states and different groups there, and each of them fought against DAESH for different reasons. The YPG is essentially an extension of the PKK. (YPG/PKK) It is an organization that has filled its ranks with international foreign terrorist fighters coming from Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and European countries. But our Western friends unfortunately ignore the fact that the YPG is essentially an extension of the PKK."

Minister Fidan, when asked, "US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter admitted in Congress in 2016 that there was a connection between the YPG and the PKK. He stated that the YPG and the PKK are the same thing. The US views the PKK as a terrorist organization. In this case, are you calling on the US to cut off its support for the SDF, whose main component consists of the YPG?", replied that Turkey has long been calling on the US in this direction.

Regarding the reactions to these calls, Fidan said, "Everything actually started during the (former US President) Obama era. The explanation they gave us at that time was that this was a temporary arrangement."

Minister Fidan pointed out that this is a threat to Turkey in terms of national interests and said, "We do not want the balances in the region to be disrupted. However, we have to observe and protect our national interests. Our negotiations with the US on this issue are ongoing."

Upon a question regarding claims that Turkey will conduct a military operation in Syria, Fidan recalled that the new administration period has begun in Damascus, noting that this issue is primarily a matter for the new administration and that if this is resolved, there will be no need for Turkey's intervention.

Fidan emphasized that the new administration must take full control in Syria.

"KURDS SHOULD ALSO LIVE IN THEIR ORIGINAL HOMELANDS"

Fidan gave the following response to the question, "From Turkey's perspective, could an autonomous Kurdish region or Kurdish entity be in question in Syria? Or would Turkey perceive this as a threat?":

"It would not be right for me to speak on behalf of the Syrian people. The issue you are asking about is a matter for the Syrian people to know. This is a decision they will make. But I can say this both as a wish and as Turkey's policy. We want all civilians, including Kurds, Arabs, Turkmens, everyone, to live in their original places in Syria.

No one should be disturbed, and no one should be forced to leave their cities or villages. Those who have been forced to migrate elsewhere should be able to return to their homelands. In short, Kurds, especially civilians, should also live in their original homelands."

Fidan pointed out that Turkey's Turkish military presence in Syria has two goals: the first is to prevent further mass migration to Turkey, and the second goal is to fight against terrorism.

Underlining that Turkey would have no reason to stay in Syria if these two issues were resolved, Fidan reported that the right steps are currently being taken in this direction.

Fidan indicated that time should be given to see the course of the situation in Syria.

Stating that the new administration in Syria is seen as a legitimate interlocutor and that communication has begun with them, Fidan recalled that the Turkish Embassy in Damascus has resumed its operations.

"IT IS NATURALLY WELCOMED THAT SYRIAN REFUGEES DESIRE TO RETURN"

Fidan said he thinks the European Union (EU) will eventually lift sanctions on Syria, and touched upon European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's contacts in Ankara.

"The message we received is this: If the Damascus administration takes the right steps, I think they are ready to lift the sanctions. They are aware that sanctions, development, and the return of refugees cannot happen at the same time," said Fidan, emphasizing that the new government needs the sanctions to be lifted in order to take steps toward development, meet people's basic needs, and prepare an environment where refugees can return.

Minister Fidan, when asked, "To do this, it is necessary to recognize the administration in Damascus as legitimate. Do you think the EU and the US should do this? Should they recognize the officials in Damascus as a legitimate government at this stage?", replied, "You know there are two dimensions to this. One is the legal dimension, the other is the practical dimension. We are talking about practical steps right now. You know, communicating with the government in Damascus and meeting with them has already effectively begun. We see UN, EU, and some European country officials. They have started to establish contact with the government in Damascus."

Noting that it is hoped that Syrian refugees in Turkey will return in a voluntary and safe manner by evaluating the new environment in their country, Fidan stated, "It is naturally welcomed that they desire to return."

Fidan said that a slow increase is observed in the number of Syrian refugees returning to their country, and stated that he thinks more people will return as more stability and a safer environment are seen. Minister Fidan said, "But it is still too early for this."

"THE URGENT NEEDS OF THE SYRIAN PEOPLE CANNOT BE POSTPONED"

When asked, "Do you have direct contact with the new officials in Damascus? What are your thoughts on them and HTS? When we listen to Western officials, we are very concerned about HTS's past connections with groups like Al-Qaeda. Mr. Foreign Minister, do you think HTS has cut its ties with the past?", Fidan responded by reminding that he served as the President of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) for 13 years.

Fidan mentioned that Idlib is geographically close to Turkey and said, "Naturally, we closely follow terrorists and terror-related activities. I think HTS has taken major steps to move away from Al-Qaeda, DAESH, and similar radical elements."

Stating that Turkey does not want to see another internal conflict in Syria, Fidan noted the following:

"This is why we give constructive advice to all opposition groups to come together and form an inclusive government together. We are in a period where the Syrian people have urgent needs; these cannot be postponed. We must ensure that refugees can return to Syria. There are also institutional problems there right now; bureaucracy and public services have unfortunately collapsed. Therefore, it is necessary to restore their functionality. Basic services, health, transportation, food, education, and communication should be provided to people as soon as possible. This is the only way people can feel that life is normalizing.

"THE REGION HAS LEARNED GREAT LESSONS FROM THE RECENT PAST"

Fidan stated that they have been in talks with Russia and Iran during this process and that Turkey's messages have been conveyed, noting that the region has learned great lessons from the recent past.

Emphasizing that Turkey speaks "openly and honestly" with Russia and Iran, Fidan said, "Since the Russians and Iranians have been working in Syria for a long time, they already saw that the regime's course was bad. They knew the problems of the Assad regime closely. Therefore, at a certain point, they concluded that our messages were correct."

"WE DO NOT WANT THE IMPRESSION TO ARISE THAT TURKEY IS SEEKING DOMINATION IN SYRIA"

Stating that Turkey was not aware that the opposition in Syria would launch a major attack, Fidan made the following assessment:

"As you know, we had been aware for a long time that HTS, in particular, had such an intention. However, our stance and primary concern were focused on two issues: a larger influx of refugees as a result of greater instability in Syria and the increase in terror risks. We knew that the regime had weakened significantly, especially in the last two to three years. We were aware that a sudden military operation by opposition forces from the north would somehow be successful.

However, there was, of course, no guarantee whether the Iranians and Russians would use heavy weapons. Especially if they started bombing civilians indiscriminately, this could create great terror, panic, and shock in places under opposition control. There was no guarantee of this. However, after they started moving toward Damascus in the last incident, it was our duty to keep the situation under control and ensure that the matter ended safely. For this reason, we thought that diplomatic steps and efforts were particularly important."

Minister Fidan underlined that Turkey's responsibility in the region has increased with the recent developments and said that it should do its best to provide technical assistance to the newly established government in Syria.

Reminding that all state institutions in Syria have collapsed, Fidan stated that the new government must work diligently to rebuild the country.

Fidan expressed that Turkey wants to use its influence for more aid and cooperation for the people of Syria, saying, "Especially in the countries of the region, we do not want the impression to arise that Turkey is seeking any kind of domination in Syria. We want to work in Syria together with other brotherly countries and international actors. We do not want to repeat the mistake that some countries in the region made in the past. Attempting domination would first of all be disrespectful to the Syrian people. Secondly, no country can solve Syria's problems alone. Therefore, we need to work together."

"WE WANT THEM TO FORM AN INCLUSIVE GOVERNMENT"

He emphasized that Turkey should work together with countries such as Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), especially its neighbors, regarding the resolution of development and political stability issues.

Fidan noted that there may be some tensions in the region and that it is almost impossible to please everyone and fully meet their demands, and stated that one should look at the principles agreed upon by the international and regional community.

Regarding expectations from the new government in Damascus, Fidan noted the following:

"We do not want to see the new administration in cooperation with terrorist groups, especially DAESH and the PKK. We do not want them to pose any threat to neighboring countries. We do not want them to mistreat minorities, Christians, Alawites, Yazidis, Turkmens, and Kurds. We want them to form an inclusive government and ensure the country's territorial integrity, political unity, and sovereignty. These are principles that everyone agrees on. I think all parties that agree on these principles should convey their expectations in line with these principles to the Damascus government."

Fidan answered "Yes" to the question, "Do you think the US is supporting a terrorist group by supporting the YPG?", and emphasized that this has been reminded to US officials many times, clearly and openly.

Minister Fidan responded to the question, "Well, if this policy does not change, will it put you on a collision course with the United States, especially with the new administration coming to power?", as follows:

"This is exactly what we have been trying to avoid for years. On one hand, we fought against the terror threat, and on the other hand, we took care not to come face to face with the US. For this purpose, we established a de-confliction mechanism with American forces in Syria. Thus, while carrying out our operations against terrorist targets, our intelligence and military operations, we also ensured de-confliction with the Americans. So, it was a difficult job diplomatically and militarily, but we have brought it here so far, but always at the risk of a major conflict, because as I said, they have a presence there, and we have an existential threat there. Therefore, both sides are currently aware of this problem. We are taking steps accordingly. President Trump had given instructions several times during his first term to abandon these policies, but unfortunately, no one listened to him then."

Regarding the claims that the US requested Turkey not to launch a major attack against the PKK/YPG, he replied, "There is always an emphasis on not disrupting operations related to DAESH. However, they cannot ask us not to address the terror threat directed at us. We wouldn't listen to such a thing anyway. They cannot do this..."

Fidan emphasized that another way must be found and that Turkey will continue its operations.

"NETANYAHU GOVERNMENT IS A SUICIDAL GOVERNMENT"

Regarding Israel's expansion of its occupation in the Golan Heights, Minister Fidan assessed, "In the first days of the events, the first few steps taken by Israel could have been read as some security measures. But after the (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu government announced that it would double the population in the occupied Golan Heights, I think this event gained a new dimension."

"I think the Netanyahu government is not only genocidal but also a suicidal government. This government threatens not only the future of our region, Arabs, and Muslims, but also the future of the Jewish and Israeli people," said Fidan, adding that the Netanyahu government is also creating a great, bad legacy for the future.

When asked, "If we listen to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he said on Wednesday that the overthrow of Assad was the result of a US and Israeli plan. So, I think from their perspective, they are saying, '...the resistance axis' they call it, 'This has been broken...' How do you see this?", Fidan replied:

"I hope our Iranian friends will excuse us. We have had this discussion with them perhaps a thousand times. As a matter of fact, it has been seen that their presence in Syria did not prevent a major genocide in Gaza."