Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler has stated that Turkey is open to dialogue with the Syrian regime, provided that it conducts independent elections and secures a legitimate win.
According to CNN Türk, Guler emphasized the necessity for the Syrian regime to accept a constitution and hold free and independent elections. He noted, “If you win, we will meet with you or whoever wins.”
Guler further clarified that Turkey respects the territorial borders of all its neighbors and has no territorial ambitions. He highlighted that previous meetings with the Syrian regime were held in Astana, underscoring ongoing efforts to engage diplomatically under certain conditions.
This statement marks a significant stance by Turkey as it navigates its complex relationship with Syria amidst ongoing regional tensions.
Turkey and the Syrian regime have had strained relations for over a decade, primarily due to divergent stances in the Syrian civil war that began in 2011. Initially, Turkey maintained diplomatic relations with Damascus, but the onset of the Syrian conflict altered the dynamic significantly. Turkey’s government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has been a staunch opponent of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, criticizing its harsh crackdown on protests and its role in the ensuing humanitarian crisis.
A major point of contention has been Turkey’s support for various opposition groups in Syria. Turkey has not only provided sanctuary to millions of Syrian refugees but also supported armed opposition factions fighting against Assad’s forces. This has included logistical, military, and financial support, which has been a significant irritant in bilateral relations.
Additionally, Turkey’s military interventions in northern Syria, aimed at securing its border and combating Kurdish militias that Ankara considers terrorist organizations but which had been pivotal in the U.S.-led fight against ISIS, further complicated the relationship. These actions have been perceived by Damascus as violations of its sovereignty, leading to heightened tensions between the two nations.
Moreover, Turkey’s role in brokered talks and its involvement in the Astana process alongside Russia and Iran demonstrates its significant stake in the political future of Syria, often clashing with the interests and objectives of the Assad regime. These layers of disagreement underscore the complex and often contentious nature of Turkey-Syria relations in the context of broader regional conflicts and shifting alliances.
