
If decision to dissolve PKK terror group is implemented 'sincerely, it will be very beneficial for everyone, for our future,' says Hakan Fidan
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Monday that there are practical steps to be taken following the PKK terror group's decision to dissolve itself and Ankara will closely monitor them.
If the decision is implemented "sincerely, it will be very beneficial for everyone, for our future," Fidan said at a joint news conference with his Syrian and Jordanian counterparts in Ankara.
“The PKK's recent decision, in my opinion, is historic and significant—particularly in terms of achieving lasting peace and stability in our region. I see this decision as very important,” he said.
Since the fall of the Baath regime in Syria on Dec. 8, 2024, intense regional and international diplomatic efforts have been ongoing, he said.
"As the countries of the region, as Syria's neighbors, we are in search of how we can solve the existing problems together with a sense of regional ownership. Our support for Syria is full in every field,” he said.
The meeting addressed Syria's current issues, the problems facing the region, and what kinds of solutions could be brought forward, Fidan said.
Pointing out the current situation in Syria, he said preventing terrorist organizations from exploiting it is "our priority."
Fidan, citing the presence of the YPG/PKK terrorist organization in Syrian territories, said the fact that one-third of Syrian territory is under the occupation of the YPG terror group poses a threat to Syria.
Noting that a state-level group involving five countries in the region is fighting ISIS (Daesh), he pointed out the importance of combating the terror group, adding that today's meeting also discussed concrete steps that can be taken and what can be done.
Regarding Israel's aggression in Syrian territories, Fidan said Tel Aviv's expansionism "has reached a point where it threatens Syria's stability and security."
“As the countries of the region, we share a common view that this expansionism, this provocation must come to an end as soon as possible,” he added.
Touching on the financial problems that Syria has been facing, Fidan said efforts are ongoing on the lifting of certain international diplomatic sanctions faced by Damascus.
“We had the opportunity to assess where we currently stand, especially concerning the lifting of the sanctions imposed during the Assad-era regime by the EU and the US. What have our efforts yielded? We were able to evaluate that,” he added.
Fidan said that Türkiye is supporting the Syrian government's efforts, including the composition of the new parliament to be established, the constitutional work that will follow, and the work of the current government and existing ministries.
Noting the issues that have an indirect impact on Syria, he said: "One of the major agenda items for us in the region, which we closely monitor—especially in cooperation with Jordan—was the situation in Gaza. What can we do to bring an end to the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza as soon as possible? We once again shared our views on that matter.”
-Türkiye is trying to play its part with all its institutions ending Russia-Ukraine war
On an upcoming meeting that will be held between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, Fidan said: “In recent months, we've seen that this call is now being embraced not only by the Russians and Ukrainians but also by Europeans and Americans. This is a positive development. Now, discussions are ongoing about how to implement this desire—what modality, what sequence—and efforts toward reconciliation are underway.”
“All parties are aware that we are ready to provide every kind of contribution—especially as a facilitator and host. (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin made a proposal in this direction. Later, (US) President (Donald) Trump encouraged the idea. Then (Ukrainian) President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy also made another proposal. The threshold continues to rise, but things are evolving positively. Of course, it is extremely important that Türkiye is at the center of all this,” Fidan said.
Just as in Syria and Iraq, Türkiye is working for the peaceful resolution of all issues in the Black Sea, the Balkans and the Aegean, he said.
Expressing his belief that the parties to the war will eventually come together around a compromise, Fidan said that Ankara calls on the both sides to come together as soon as possible and initiate a ceasefire.
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