State institutions should be preserved for Syria stability: Turkish FM
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In a press briefing from Doha, the Turkish Foreign Minister stressed the importance of preserving a period of calm in Syria, to "pave the way for a political process".
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Turkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, on December 4 4, 2024. (AP)
In a statement from Doha, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that Syria has reached a pivotal moment where the Syrian people will "shape the future of their own country," adding that "today, there is hope."
He added that "the Syrian people cannot do this alone," highlighting that "Turkiye attaches importance to Syrian territorial integrity."
With regards to the future of Syria, Fidan called for a period of calm to pave the way for a political process. He added that "A new Syrian administration must be established inclusively. There should be no desire for revenge."
Moreover, the Foreign Minister said that Turkiye is calling on all actors to "act with prudence," warning against actions made without caution.
"We need to work with the Syrian people to make sure there is a smooth transition. A new Syria should not pose a threat to neighbors; it should eliminate threats," he highlighted, stressing that "terrorist organizations" should not be allowed to take advantage of this situation and that "state institutions should be preserved. Opposition groups must be united. We will work for stability and safety in Syria." Additionally, he expressed Turkiye's appreciation for the constructive approach of Russia and Iran.
PKK, extensions of it cannot be legitimate counterparts in Syria
Regarding President Bashar al-Assad, the Foreign Minister stated that Assad's whereabouts are unknown, though he is most likely outside of Syria. We had no contact with Syria's Assad despite [Turkihs President] Erdogan's call for talks."
Fidan mentioned that "Syrian opposition forces are comprised of different groups, but the coordination mechanism will improve in the coming days," stressing that any extension of "outlawed PKK militia cannot be considered a legitimate counterpart" in Syria.
Earlier today, Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali said he is ready to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the Syrian people and affirmed that he is prepared to undertake a handover process, early on Sunday.
This comes after militants entered Syria's capital, Damascus, with reports of President Bashar al-Assad's leaving the capital to an unknown location at an earlier time.
Late on Saturday, the Syrian Arab Army withdrew from the city of Homs, where militants took over the city and other towns in western Syria. For the most part, no clashes were recorded before and during the withdrawal of Syrian Arab Army forces and the eventual takeover by militants of Syrian towns.
