ISTANBUL, Aug 13 (KUNA) -- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned on Wednesday, that Israeli occupation is responsible for the destabilizing policies in Syria's Suwayda, urging People Protection Units (YPG) to stop posing a threat to Turkiye and the region.
Speaking at a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani, Fidan pointed out destabilization and disruption efforts targeted at Syria.
"One of the main actors behind this dark picture (of Suwayda events) has turned out to be Israel." Fidan outlined the importance of supporting Syria, adding that the country's future should guarantee coexistence among all communities, beliefs, and cultures.
On the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and YPG, Fidan said that the groups have not abandoned armed activities yet, calling on them to "immediately remove themselves as a threat to Turkiye and the region." He emphasized that Ankara cannot remain calm in an environment where its security demands remain unmet, calling for continued cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, and Iraq to back Syria.
For his part, al-Shaibani rejected the recent conference organized by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in al-Hasakah, calling it a breach of the March 10 unity deal, describing the gathering as an attempt to exploit the Suwayda unrest.
He stressed that dialogue is the only way to address challenges; and along with Fidan, emphasized the importance of coordination on security and military matters to safeguard borders and combat terrorism.
A high-level Syrian delegation arrived in Ankara on Wednesday for official talks, following Fidan's visit to Damascus last Thursday, where he met President Ahmad Al-Sharaa. This is Fidan's third trip since the fall of Bashar Al-Assad's regime in December 2024. (end) tm.sar