Türkiye’s FM: We Reject All Initiatives to Sustain Terrorist Organizations in Syria
"Just as ISIS was eliminated, the PKK will also be removed—either through peace and reconciliation or by other means," said Hakan Fidan.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday reiterated Ankara’s firm stance against any initiatives aimed at preserving terrorist organizations in Syria, asserting that groups such as the People's Defense Units (YPG) and Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) which is designated as a terrorist group by EU, U.S. and Türkiye must be removed from the Syrian system, either peacefully or by other means.
"No Tolerance for Threats to Syria’s Sovereignty," Fidan Warns
Speaking at a joint press conference with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in Doha, Fidan underlined that Türkiye categorically rejects any action that undermines Syria’s territorial integrity or sovereignty.
“We do not accept any initiative that would sustain terrorist organizations in Syria,” Fidan stated. “Just as ISIS has been eliminated from the system, so too will the PKK be removed. This will happen either voluntarily, through peace and reconciliation, or by other means.”
Fidan emphasized that Türkiye’s position on Syria remains unchanged, stressing the importance of safeguarding Syria’s sovereignty and ensuring it reemerges as a respected and prosperous state on the international stage.
Turkish-Qatari Cooperation on Syria’s Reconstruction
During the discussions in Doha, the two ministers also addressed the humanitarian crisis and reconstruction efforts in Syria. Fidan noted that both Türkiye and Qatar are collaborating closely to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people and to support the country’s reconstruction.
“We have worked together to ease the suffering of the Syrian people and continue our cooperation toward Syria’s rebuilding,” Fidan said, adding that both Ankara and Doha are also exerting efforts to push for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria.
Agreement Between SDF and Syrian Authorities
Fidan also pointed to the agreement reportedly signed in recent months between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government, stating that Ankara is closely monitoring its implementation.
“We expect the agreement signed between the SDF and the Syrian authorities to be fully realized,” he said, reiterating Ankara’s unwavering stance that all terrorist elements must be dismantled from Syria’s political landscape.
A Strategic Vision for Syria’s Future
Concluding his remarks, Fidan underscored that Türkiye’s strategic vision is anchored in the establishment of a united, sovereign, and stable Syria, free from terrorism and external interference. He stressed that achieving lasting peace and reconstruction in Syria depends on upholding these principles.
