Turkey Advocates for De-escalation of Tensions in Syria During Diplomatic Talks

Turkey’s top diplomat, Hakan Fidan, spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the recent escalations in Syria, asserting Turkey’s commitment to reducing tensions amid a significant offensive by Syrian rebels. Fidan emphasized the need for a finalized political process and reiterated Turkey’s opposition to terrorist activities targeting both Turkey and Syrian civilians.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan engaged in discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding recent escalations in Syria, asserting Ankara’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at reducing tensions within the conflict-ridden country. Fidan emphasized Turkey’s opposition to actions that would exacerbate instability in the region, highlighting the necessity of finalizing a political process between the governing regime and the opposition to secure peace in Syria. Crucially, he reaffirmed Ankara’s position against any terrorist activities targeting either Turkey or Syrian civilians.

This dialogue occurred amid a significant offensive launched by Syrian rebel factions, alongside Turkey-backed groups, which resulted in the capture of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, from forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. According to reports from a Syrian war monitor, this resurgence in conflict has included assaults by pro-Turkish rebels against both government troops and Kurdish YPG fighters in northern Aleppo province. Turkey regards the YPG as an extension of the PKK, a group that has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state for several decades.

The hostilities intensified coinciding with the establishment of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, triggering concerns from the United Nations’ special envoy on Syria about the potential threats to international and regional stability posed by the ongoing violence. During the conversation, Minister Fidan also reminded Secretary Blinken of Israel’s obligations for the ceasefire in Lebanon to hold and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Furthermore, both officials touched upon current issues regarding Ukraine and the South Caucasus as part of their discussions.

The Syrian conflict, ongoing since 2011, has seen various factions vying for power, leading to a complicated situation involving numerous international actors, including Turkey and the United States. The Turkish government has notably supported certain rebel groups against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime while simultaneously combating the YPG, which they view as affiliated with the PKK, a designated terrorist organization by Turkey and several Western nations. Amid escalations in violence, regional security dynamics remain fragile, necessitating diplomatic dialogue to mitigate further tensions.

Turkey has expressed its dedication to fostering stability in Syria amidst profound unrest. The discussions between Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken underscore an urgent plea for maintaining peace while addressing the complexities posed by rebel offensives and terrorist threats. Overall, Turkey’s stance is clear: supporting a political resolution and ensuring security for its citizens and regional allies remain paramount.

Original Source: www.newarab.com