Hakan Fidan on Syria: 'We will intervene'

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made notable remarks regarding the rising tensions in Syria in recent days. Speaking to a group of journalists, Fidan said: "There is much we can discuss through diplomacy. Everything can be talked about. But if you go beyond that and move toward dividing and destabilising through the use of force, we will perceive that as a direct threat to our national security and we will intervene."

"DISCUSS WHATEVER YOU WANT — EXCEPT PARTITION"

Fidan emphasised that Turkey stands against all separatist and destabilising attempts in the region, saying: "Discuss whatever you want, except partition. If you have demands, put them forward — we will help in whatever way we can." Fidan stated that every group must move toward integration while preserving its own identity and beliefs.

Commenting on developments related to the clashes in Syria, Fidan said that ideological frameworks dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries are still being instrumentalised by dominant powers in the region.

"NO GROUP SHOULD TAKE ANY SEPARATIST STEP"

In his statement, Fidan warned: "We are issuing a warning — no group should engage in any move aimed at fragmentation," reiterating the importance Turkey attaches to Syria's territorial integrity. Calling on all parties in the region to cooperate and engage in dialogue, Fidan delivered the message: "Everything can be discussed. But do not move toward partition. We will take a firm stance against any entity that attempts to divide the country."