Fidan, Blinken discuss 'political solution' for Syria crisis
3 Min Read
The Turkish FM says the Syrian government must adopt a realistic approach by engaging in dialogue with the opposition and initiating a political process.
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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan speaks next to his Greek counterpart George Gerapetritis during a joint news conference and after their meeting, in Athens, Greece, Friday, on Nov. 8, 2024 (AP)
The ongoing turmoil in Syria must not be allowed to serve the interests of organizations, such as the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and ISIS, which Turkiye designates as terrorists, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned on Friday, Anadolu Agency reported.
The remarks were made during a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during which the two discussed the situation in Syria, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.
Fidan underscored the need to avoid repeating past mistakes and stressed that the Syrian government must adopt a "realistic approach" by engaging in dialogue with the opposition and initiating a political process.
He also called on all regional actors to adopt a constructive stance.
Reaffirming the significance of ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria, Fidan claimed that Turkiye has consistently provided the required support.
On its part, the US Department of State said that Blinken discussed with his Turkish counterpart the necessity of reaching a political solution in Syria.
In a statement, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Blinken emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, including minorities, across Syria.
Fidan's statements follow those of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who on Friday addressed key regional issues, including the ongoing developments in Syria, expressing hope for "a smooth continuation of anti-regime forces’ advance toward Damascus."
“…Idlib, Hama, Homs, and the target, of course, is Damascus. The opposition's march continues. Our wish is that this advancement in Syria continues without accidents or disasters,” Erdogan stated to reporters following Friday prayers in Istanbul.
Erdogan also voiced dissatisfaction with Syria’s leadership, saying, “We made a call to (Bashar al) Assad. We said: 'Come, let's determine the future of Syria together.' Unfortunately, we did not receive a positive response to this.”
In late November, Fidan claimed that his country is not involved in the ongoing struggles in Aleppo but is taking precautions to prevent a potential displacement wave.
Amid the prompt activation of the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, along with several other terrorist factions, attacking Syria's Aleppo and Idlib provinces, as well as their countrysides, Fidan stated that the United States provides the lifeline of such terrorist groups in the region, noting that they would be "unable to continue for three days without Washington's support."
He claimed that Turkiye "would never allow the terrorist structure in Syria to turn into a state."
However, field sources reported that since the Turkish-backed so-called "National Army" militia participated in the battle alongside HTS, this reflected clear Turkish support for HTS to secure any gains on the frontlines after Ankara's failure to achieve political advancements in its relations with the Syrian government.
The sources further noted that Turkiye aims to leverage this support to pressure Damascus into entering new negotiations to normalize relations with Ankara.
Read more: US State Dep. urges 'political settlement' in Syria
