YPG dissolution welcome if implemented on ground: Fidan

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Wednesday that Türkiye would regard the YPG terrorist group's announced dissolution of its so-called autonomous administration in Syria as a welcome development only if implemented in practice, stressing that Ankara must first verify the move on the ground before welcoming it as a genuine step toward regional stability.

Verification essential

Speaking to reporters in Elazig, eastern Türkiye, Fidan said: "Our job is to act professionally and verify what this means on the ground. If it is as stated, it is of course a welcome development. It complements all the steps we currently want to take. It is a step that will strengthen Kurdish-Arab brotherhood in Syria," he added, noting that the dissolution would contribute to creating an environment where all Syrians can look to the future with confidence.

The YPG's presence in northern Syria has long posed a challenge to both Syria and Türkiye, according to Fidan, who emphasized that any development contrary to principles of Syrian unity would not be considered beneficial for either nation.

Unity and dialogue

Fidan stressed the importance of preserving Kurdish identity while maintaining Syria's territorial integrity, stating: "We emphasize that while the identity of Kurds must be protected and there must be no denial of their identity, Syria's national unity, sovereign integrity, and territorial integrity must also be preserved. We want to see this reflected in practice."

The foreign minister expressed hope that remaining issues would be resolved through peaceful means, adding that Türkiye does not consider developments contrary to these principles beneficial for Syria. He said the government aims to resolve all problems through mutual understanding and dialogue.

Regional development

Fidan, who traveled by road through eastern provinces over the past two days, highlighted the rapid development possible in environments free from terrorism, saying that where weapons are not speaking, progress advances quickly. He described the unique nature of eastern and southeastern Türkiye as a great blessing and opportunity for advancement.

Before arriving in Elazig — which he described as "a sacred city" — Fidan accompanied President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Ahlat for celebrations marking the 955th anniversary of the Battle of Malazgirt, where officials discussed Anatolia's millennium of history as a home to Turks, Kurds, Arabs, and other peoples.