Turkey’s Foreign Minister indicated the country would reconsider its military presence in Syria if Kurdish militants are eliminated. He emphasized the need for armed factions to be integrated into a national army. The discussions highlight ongoing violence between Turkish-backed forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), linked to the PKK.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, announced at the Munich Security Conference that Turkey would reevaluate its military presence in northeastern Syria if Kurdish militants are eliminated by the new Syrian leadership. He reiterated Turkey’s commitment to combating armed militias, emphasizing the necessity of their integration into a unified national army in Syria. This position follows Turkey’s long-standing efforts to diminish the influence of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has engaged in an insurgency against Turkey for decades.
While Fidan addressed the need for disarming non-state factions, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani did not provide specific comments on the statement regarding Kurdish groups. The Turkish-backed forces have significantly increased in northeastern Syria, particularly following the ouster of former President Bashar Assad. Conflicts between these groups and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), whom Turkey considers an affiliate of the PKK, have been escalating.
Within the context of the ongoing discussions, Hind Kabawat from the Center for World Religions emphasized that while Kurds are integral to the Syrian national identity, they should not maintain separate military forces to uphold national unity. This sentiment aligns with the broader objective of integrating various militia groups into the new Syrian army, aiming for a cohesive national front.
Tensions persist as the SDF has declined to integrate into the Syrian army, which complicates the military landscape in northern Syria. The Turkish government maintains that armed militia cannot exist independently in Syria, laying the groundwork for its potential military decisions moving forward.
In summary, Turkey’s Foreign Minister indicated a willingness to reassess Turkey’s military role in Syria contingent upon the eradication of Kurdish militant groups. The ongoing dialogue surrounding the integration of various forces within the Syrian army underscores a significant shift in the country’s military strategy, particularly regarding Kurdish representation. The dynamics of Turkey’s military presence remain closely linked to its perceptions of the PKK and its affiliates.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
