Erdogan: No “state within a state” in Syria, conflict must end through political agreement

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated on Tuesday that there can be no “state within a state” or separate armed forces in Syria, insisting that the country’s crisis must be resolved peacefully through existing political agreements. Speaking at an award ceremony in Ankara, Erdoğan emphasized that a political solution consistent with established accords remains the only viable path forward, noting that Syrian civilians are exhausted by years of war and deserve stability.

Call for Unity and End to Armed Exploitation

Erdoğan asserted that “the shelf life of terror, violence, and weapons has expired,” condemning the exploitation of children in conflict. He directly addressed Kurdish citizens, urging them not to fall for schemes aimed at undermining longstanding brotherhood. His remarks came as Syria’s Defense Ministry announced a 15-day extension of a ceasefire with the YPG/SDF, effective January 24, 2026, following a recent “mutual understanding” on integrating the group’s forces into state structures.

Integration Process and Humanitarian Stance

Under the Syrian government's framework, the YPG/SDF is expected to integrate its military and security units into Syria’s defense and interior ministries, while its leadership may nominate candidates for deputy defense minister and provincial governor posts. Erdoğan welcomed what he described as a sensible approach by Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara, noting that recent decrees help protect Kurdish citizens’ rights—which he said were neglected under former leader Bashar al-Assad. He also reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Syrians, including Kurdish communities, in coordination with Damascus.

Reconstruction and Regional Stability

Erdoğan expressed hope that a major reconstruction campaign would soon begin in Syria, particularly in areas destroyed by the former regime. He affirmed that stability in Syria would positively impact all neighboring countries, starting with Türkiye, and called for an end to cycles of violence and error.