Erdoğan urges Syrian unity, warns against 'maximalist demands'

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called for unity and restraint in Syria, urging all factions to embrace reconciliation and reject maximalist demands that could undermine the prospect of durable peace. Speaking at his party's parliamentary group meeting in Ankara, Erdoğan emphasized that the outlines of a long-term settlement have become increasingly clear.

A call for inclusive reconstruction

"The roadmap for lasting peace in Syria has been set," Erdoğan stated, warning against repeating past errors or poisoning the process with unrealistic demands. He stressed that Syria's period of conflict must give way to an era of reconstruction and economic recovery. "It is time for Syria's resources and above- and below-ground wealth to be used for the prosperity of all segments of society, not for digging tunnels under cities," he said, in an apparent reference to the diversion of resources toward warfare rather than development.

Every drop of blood matters

In a deeply heartfelt message, the Turkish President addressed the human tragedy of the Syrian conflict. "Every drop of blood shed breaks our hearts, regardless of Arab, Turkmen, Kurd or Nusayri; every life lost in Syria feels like losing a part of ourselves." His words reflected Ankara's longstanding position that Syria's diverse ethnic and sectarian composition must be preserved and that no community should be excluded from the country's future.

Türkiye's role: brotherhood, not hegemony

Erdoğan also rejected narratives portraying Türkiye as seeking dominance in Syrian affairs. "Türkiye is not seeking influence in the region and has no desire to shape other countries; on the contrary, we sincerely seek brotherhood." The statement reaffirms Ankara's policy of prioritizing territorial integrity and political unity in Syria while distancing itself from accusations of expansionist ambitions. The President's remarks signal Türkiye's continued commitment to a stable, unified, and sovereign Syria emerging from more than a decade of devastation.