Turkey seeks SDF proof of compliance with Damascus deal
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Turkey stresses the need for the SDF to prove commitment to its integration deal with Damascus, amid efforts to preserve Syria’s territorial unity.
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US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters stand guard at Al Naeem Square, in Raqqa, Syria, Monday, Feb. 7, 2022 (AP)
A Turkish Defense Ministry source stated on Wednesday that the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) needs to demonstrate its compliance with a recent integration agreement made with the Syrian government, emphasizing the importance of verifying their adherence to the terms.
Ankara emphasized that Syria’s territorial integrity is crucial for regional stability, while closely observing developments in the region after the March 10 agreement between Damascus and the SDF, which Turkey designates as a terrorist organization.
Previously, on May 22, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Syria's government to focus on implementing its agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stressing the importance of incorporating the US-backed Kurdish-led group into the restructured Syrian military as stipulated in their historic agreement.
"The SDF must concretely demonstrate that it is abiding by the agreement it made with the Damascus government," the Defense Ministry source, who requested anonymity, said, according to Reuters.
Turkey stands against Syria division
Turkey has consistently stated that it will not accept any actions that could result in the division of Syria, while also expressing strong opposition to the establishment of autonomous Kurdish entities near its southern border.
On July 19, United States Special Envoy to Syria, Ambassador Thomas Barrack, held a meeting with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) General Commander Mazloum Abdi to address the current developments in Syria while emphasizing the critical importance of de-escalation and the restoration of stability throughout the country.
The US Embassy released a statement indicating that the two officials discussed concrete measures to advance integration within a unified Syrian state, with both sides affirming that "the time for unity is now."
