Turkey’s Stance on New Syrian Administration and Military Cooperation
ANKARA: Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler has stated that Turkey will need to see what the new administration in Syria will do and give them a chance. He emphasized that Turkey is ready to provide military training if such help is requested.
New Administration and Military Cooperation
NATO member Turkey backed the Syrian rebels who toppled President Bashar al-Assad last weekend, ending a 13-year civil war. Turkey reopened its embassy in Damascus on Saturday, two days after its intelligence chief visited the Syrian capital. Guler stated that Turkey already had military cooperation and training agreements with many countries and is ready to provide the necessary support if the new administration requests it.
Eliminating ‘Terrorists’
Turkey’s priority remains the elimination of the Kurdish YPG militia, part of a US-backed Syrian opposition group. Guler reiterated that Turkey sees the YPG as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), whose militant fighters have battled the Turkish state for 40 years. "In the new period, the PKK/YPG terrorist organisation in Syria will be eliminated sooner or later," he said. "Members of the organisation coming from outside Syria will leave Syria. Those who are Syrian will lay down their weapons."
No Sign of IS Resurgence
Guler said Turkey saw no sign of a resurgence of Islamic State (IS) in Syria, contrary to the US view. "Has anyone heard of any attacks by DAESH terrorists in Syria in the last three years? We don’t see or hear anything about DAESH at the moment," he said, using the Arabic acronym for IS.
Russia’s Future Involvement
Asked about the future involvement in Syria of Russia, a longstanding ally of Assad, Guler said he saw no sign of a complete Russian withdrawal. Russia is moving its military assets from different parts of Syria to its two bases in the country – the Hmeimim air base at Latakia and a naval base in Tartous. "I don’t think the Russians are going to leave (Syria). They’ll do everything they can to stay," he said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Turkey’s Defence Minister Yasar Guler has emphasized the importance of giving the new Syrian administration a chance to govern and the need to eliminate the Kurdish YPG militia. He also reiterated Turkey’s stance on the need to combat terrorism and its priority remains the elimination of the YPG.
FAQs
- What is Turkey’s stance on the new Syrian administration?
Turkey will need to see what the new administration will do and give them a chance. - Is Turkey considering military cooperation with the new Syrian government?
Turkey is ready to provide military training if the new administration requests it. - What is Turkey’s priority in Syria?
Turkey’s priority remains the elimination of the Kurdish YPG militia. - Does Turkey see any sign of IS resurgence in Syria?
No, Turkey sees no sign of IS resurgence in Syria, contrary to the US view.