Turkey's priorities in the Syrian transition process: 5 critical points

Turkey's priorities regarding the transition process in Syria have begun to clarify. Sources speaking to Sputnik stated that Turkey's primary expectations are the preservation of Syria's territorial integrity, the drafting of a new constitution with the participation of all segments, the shaping of the administration in a balanced manner, the prevention of terrorist organizations from regaining strength, and the safe return of Syrians. Turkey aims for the process to proceed peacefully and stably.

SYRIA'S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY

According to the sources, one of the priorities for Turkey is the preservation of Syria's territorial integrity. Turkey does not want the division of Syria or the establishment of de facto structures. Turkey is taking initiatives to ensure that all responsible actors and international institutions take responsibility for protecting Syria's territorial integrity.

A SYRIA WHERE ALL SEGMENTS HAVE A SAY

To preserve Syria's territorial integrity, it is also desired that all segments of the country have a say. According to the sources, a new constitution is expected to be drafted in Syria that will encompass all segments and ensure that all structures are represented. With the preparation of the new constitution, how the country's administration will be shaped will also be determined.

ENSURING OPPOSITION GROUPS TAKING POWER DO NOT DISRUPT UNITY AND BALANCE

One of Turkey's expectations regarding Syria is that no steps be taken that would disrupt the current situation. In this context, sources expect opposition groups to work in harmony. It is not desired for one opposition group to exert pressure on others or for images of conflict between groups to emerge.

CLEANSING SYRIA OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS

Turkey does not want structures such as ISIS and the PYD, which emerged in the region with the conflicts that began in 2011, to become effective again. Sources state that the possibilities of terrorist organizations reorganizing or seizing certain regions by taking advantage of the transition process in Syria should not be ignored.

THE RETURN OF SYRIANS IN TURKEY

In his latest statement on November 20, Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya stated that the number of Syrians after address verification is 2 million 935 thousand 742. The return of Syrians, who spread to many countries of the world, especially Turkey, with the start of the conflicts in Syria, to their own country is also considered important. Sources expect returns to begin, especially with the reconstruction of cities destroyed during the conflict period and life in Syria returning completely to normal.