Türkiye's FM Fidan stresses unity as key to Syria's new chapter

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has framed December 8 as the start of a hopeful new chapter for Syria, while outlining the critical challenges that must be overcome for lasting stability. Speaking at a conference in Ankara on Wednesday, Fidan emphasized that the first anniversary of the Assad regime's fall represents "a new day, a new hope, and a new beginning," but one that requires deliberate state-building and national unity.

Imperative of a Unified Military and State Authority

Minister Fidan identified the unification of all armed factions under a single national army as the paramount political task. He stated that the presence of multiple armed groups makes securing the economy and public services impossible, deterring investment and encouraging flight. "Bringing all armed groups under a single army is crucial for ensuring national unity and maintaining external support," he asserted, praising the alignment of former opposition groups with the new administration as a positive start.

Warning to the YPG and Criticism of Israel

Addressing specific threats to unity, Fidan directly warned the YPG, the Syrian wing of the PKK terrorist organization, that "no country can have two armed forces." He noted a lack of progress since a March agreement and stated its armed units must come under Damascus's command. On regional security, Fidan criticized Israeli expansionism, stating, "Israel should not secure itself by creating insecurity for others." He called for Israel to abandon its rejection of a Palestinian state to enable regional cooperation.

Türkiye's Strategic Stance and Lessons from the Past

Fidan highlighted close contacts between Türkiye, Syria, and the United States, noting a positive US willingness under President Trump to engage with the new Syrian administration. He firmly declared that Türkiye "would not tolerate Syria becoming a zone of chaos again," citing the immense costs borne from instability in Iraq and Syria over the past three decades. He concluded that Türkiye has learned vital lessons and will advance a more systematic policy to support a stable, unified, and inclusive Syria.