Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's remarks on Trump: 'The genie is out of the bottle'

Giving an interview to a UK-based media outlet, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made assessments regarding Turkey's international security policies. Noting that Turkey would aim to join a new security pact should NATO dissolve, Fidan also drew attention to the security crisis facing Europe.

Fidan made statements regarding Donald Trump's election as president, expressing that the US military could withdraw from Europe. According to Fidan, the option of withdrawing troops from Europe, which Trump has brought to the agenda, could come up again in the future even if it is not implemented today. Regarding Donald Trump's re-election as president in the US, Fidan used the expression, 'The genie is out of the bottle and there is no way to put it back.'

Giving an interview to the Financial Times (FT), Fidan made assessments regarding Turkey's foreign policy and the global agenda. While emphasizing that the world is 'going through dangerous and difficult times,' Fidan called for stabilization in the Middle East. The Foreign Minister noted that Turkey is working for peace and stability in the region.

Stating that similar policies might continue in the future regarding European security, Fidan said the following:

''Even if President Trump decides not to withdraw from Europe right now, it is possible that a leader with similar views could take similar steps in the future.''

Fidan also touched upon the attacks carried out by Israel on southern Syria, using the following expressions:

'The ongoing attacks and military activity on the ground are a clear provocation. Israel views Arab and Muslim countries as a threat, and this is an extremely dangerous approach. The strategy of keeping all neighboring states weak is unacceptable.'

Since December 7, when the Ba'ath regime was toppled, Israel has captured the area up to 20 kilometers from Damascus. The Israeli Air Force has also bombed numerous areas north of Damascus.

''SDF IS TURKEY'S SWORN ENEMY''

Regarding the fight against the PKK/YPG and ISIS, Fidan emphasized that the terrorist organization PKK/YPG, which uses the name SDF in Syria, is ''Turkey's sworn enemy.'' Stating that the terrorist organization cannot be allowed to continue its activities, Fidan expressed that Turkey could take over the camps and prisons under PKK/YPG control if necessary.

Touching upon Turkey's fight against ISIS, Fidan added the following:

''This is a matter of intelligence and air power. If we, as Syria's neighbors, can form our own regional platform, we can continue the fight against ISIS even if the US withdraws.''

News Source: 12punto