Turkey’s President Erdogan calls for an end to international support for Kurdish fighters in Syria post-Assad. He emphasizes disarmament and integration for the YPG, likening them to the Islamic State, while U.S. officials explore transitional measures for the SDF.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey anticipates a withdrawal of international support for Kurdish fighters in Syria following the potential ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Erdogan’s comments came during his return flight from a summit in Egypt, emphasizing Turkey’s position against the YPG, a group Ankara associates with the PKK, a designated terrorist organization.
Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, supported Erdogan’s view by asserting the necessity for Kurdish forces to disarm and assimilate into Syria’s national security framework. Furthermore, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf conveyed that Washington is coordinating with Turkey and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to facilitate a managed transition regarding their role in northern Syria.
Erdogan regards the YPG as comparable to the Islamic State, declaring that neither faction holds legitimacy or future prospects within Syria. He expressed a hope for a Syria where all ethnic and religious groups coexist peacefully, advocating for the eradication of both the Islamic State and PKK.
Recent developments include Turkey’s military actions against the SDF; hostilities intensified after Assad’s recent defeat, with Turkey capturing the city of Manbij. Erdogan’s vision for a peaceful Syria remains contingent upon disbanding groups he views as threats, such as the PKK and its offshoots.
Commander Mazloum Abdi of the SDF indicated that Kurdish fighters from other nations would exit their ranks if a truce with Turkey could be established. He acknowledged that assistance from foreign PKK fighters was involved but confirmed their departure under a ceasefire agreement.
In conclusion, President Erdogan underscores Turkey’s expectation for foreign allies to cease support for Kurdish forces in Syria following Assad’s potential removal. Emphasizing the need for disarmament and integration of Kurdish groups, he equates the YPG to the Islamic State. As Turkey engages in military actions against the YPG, the dialogue toward establishing a stable and diverse Syria continues, with developments suggesting potential shifts in support dynamics for Kurdish fighters.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
