Turkey has reiterated its support for meaningful and realistic dialogue between the Syrian government and the opposition, aiming to pave the way for a comprehensive political solution in Syria based on UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
In a recent meeting with Syrian opposition leaders, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed ongoing efforts to restore relations between Ankara and Damascus to their pre-2011 state.
Last week, Fidan emphasized that while Turkey encourages dialogue between the government and the opposition, it cannot compel the opposition to engage.
He stressed that the Turkish government expects the Syrian regime to sit down with the opposition, address the issues at hand, and commence negotiations toward a resolution.
In the meantime, attacks on areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in eastern Syria are intensifying.
Early yesterday, the SDF was subjected to heavy shelling, with dozens of mortar and artillery rounds launched from positions held by Iran-aligned local groups and Syrian government forces in Deir ez-Zor province.
The Syrian conflict, now in its second decade, has led to significant regional instability, with multiple international and domestic actors involved.
The civil war began in 2011 as part of the wider Arab Spring protests, which eventually escalated into a brutal conflict involving numerous factions. Turkey has played a significant role in the conflict, supporting various opposition groups and hosting millions of Syrian refugees.
The UN Security Council Resolution 2254, adopted in 2015, outlines a roadmap for a political solution in Syria, calling for an inclusive political process that leads to free and fair elections.
