Turkiye defines new priorities for Syria policy, backs new regime
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Amid the collapse of Syria's al-Assad regime, Turkiye outlines three of its top priorities in its foreign policy for Syria.
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Syrians wait to cross into Syria from Turkiye at the Oncupinar border gate, near the town of Kilis, southern Turkiye, Monday, December 9, 2024. (AP)
Turkiye will back the Syrian opposition and has defined three priorities regarding its Syria policy, Turkish newspaper Hurriyet revealed on Monday, after the new regime forces took over Damascus, marking the end of former President Bashar al-Assad's rule.
According to the report, Turkiye's priorities include political, military, and social issues Ankara plans on being directly involved in.
What are Turkiye's priorities?
1. Turkiye plans on overseeing and managing the transition process of the incoming Syrian government, as well as rebuilding a new Syria.
2. Groups like the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the People's Protection Units (YPG), both of which are banned in Turkiye, will be fought.
3. Turkiye will ensure the safe and timely return of Syrian refugees from its lands back to Syria.
The report emphasized that the transitional administration in Syria should focus on building a new nation free from extremism and rooted in human rights, justice, and fair representation. Turkiye, meanwhile, pledged to continue supporting the opposition in establishing a new Syria, according to sources.
State institutions should be preserved for Syria's stability: Turkish FM
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."
"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.
Fidan also 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.
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