Doha: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called for the immediate removal of non-Syrian elements from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as a crucial step towards the integration process in Syria. Speaking at the 23rd Doha Forum in the Qatari capital, Fidan criticized efforts to integrate the PKK/YPG terrorist organization, which operates under the SDF in Syria, into the Syrian army, emphasizing that their primary objective is to target Turkey.
According to TRTworld.com, Fidan, during an interview session with Patrick Wintour, diplomatic editor of The Guardian, expressed concerns over the presence of elements from Iraq, Iran, and Turkey within the SDF, which he claims are positioned against Turkey. He emphasized the importance of removing these elements to protect Turkey's interests and security. Fidan highlighted Syria's critical importance to Turkey and noted that any regional developments directly impact the country.
Fidan further elaborated on Turkey's humanitarian response to the Syrian crisis, recalling the open-door policy adopted by President Erdogan that allowed millions fleeing the Assad regime to enter Turkey. He mentioned the challenging years of 2016-2017 when international support for the Syrian opposition waned, leaving Turkey and Qatar largely alone, as the US and the West shifted their focus towards aiding the PKK.
He also touched on the complex negotiations between the SDF and the Syrian government, stressing the need for genuine engagement and a shared vision to make the integration process credible. Fidan recalled past negotiations with the PKK leadership during his tenure as intelligence chief, noting the challenges posed by developments in Syria.
In a related context, Fidan expressed Turkey's readiness to fully support Palestine, including the deployment of troops to the International Stabilization Force (ISF). He emphasized the significance of US involvement in establishing peace in the Middle East and criticized daily ceasefire violations by Israel. Fidan highlighted the need for international action against systematic Israeli torture of Palestinian detainees and warned of the long-term damage inflicted on Israel's future by Prime Minister Netanyahu's actions.
Fidan outlined the priorities for the ISF, emphasizing the need to separate Israelis and Palestinians to prevent further attacks. He discussed the importance of reactivating Gaza's police force and administration while cautioning against rushing disarmament. He also stressed that the ISF should operate independently of Hamas and involve key regional players like Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in enforcing the peace plan.
In his comments on global security strategies, Fidan noted the significance of debates within NATO, highlighting Europe's push for its own security architecture despite NATO's existing framework. He praised Qatar's role as a global mediator and its expanding partnership with Turkey in addressing regional issues, especially concerning Palestine and Syria.