Erdogan Warns Against Syria's Division, Criticizes Israeli Occupation, and Pledges Support for Syria's Future
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that Syria will never be allowed to be divided again, vowing that Turkey will take action against anyone attempting to compromise Syria's territorial integrity. Speaking at a Justice and Development Party (AKP) convention in Ankara on December 10, Erdogan made it clear that Turkey will not allow Syria to be divided again, emphasizing that any attack on Syria’s sovereignty, the freedom of its people, or the stability of its new administration will face Turkish opposition.
Erdogan’s remarks came after Turkey’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its support for Syria’s territorial integrity, condemning the entry of Israeli military forces into the UN-designated buffer zone on the Golan Heights. In a statement, Turkey's Foreign Ministry emphasized that while the Syrian people have long sought peace and stability, Israel’s occupation mentality continues to be a threat during this sensitive time.
Erdogan stressed that Syria should be governed by its own people, and Turkey will continue to fully support the creation of a unified and terrorism-free Syria.
Earlier, Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, while speaking with Turkish ambassadors, stated that Ankara envisions a new Syria that peacefully coexists with its neighbors, and Turkey is ready to assist in Syria’s reconstruction. Fidan further mentioned that Turkey would help displaced refugees return safely to Syria, marking the beginning of a new era for the country and calling for progress towards a better future.
President Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year regime fell within just 12 days under intensified rebel attacks. On December 8, rebels began entering the capital, Damascus, forcing Assad to flee. He and his family have reportedly sought refuge in Russia.
Approximately 3 million Syrian refugees currently reside in Turkey. Following Assad’s downfall, Syrian expatriates in Ankara celebrated the rebel victory with marches, viewing this as a hopeful sign for their return to Syria. They are now reconsidering their future, seeing the rebels' success as a possibility for their repatriation.
