Turkey Urges for Tension Reduction in Syria Amid Rebel Offensive

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan affirmed Turkey’s support for measures aimed at reducing tensions in Syria during a discussion with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Amidst significant rebel offensives in Aleppo, Fidan stressed the need for a political resolution and condemned any instability related to terrorist activities. He also highlighted Israel’s obligations in the Lebanon ceasefire and called for urgent humanitarian actions in Gaza.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan engaged in a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding the escalating conflict in Syria. During this discussion, Fidan emphasized Turkey’s opposition to any developments that could exacerbate instability in the region, affirming support for initiatives aimed at reducing tensions in Syria. He called for the resolution of the political impasse between the Assad regime and opposition forces to ensure long-term peace, reiterating that Turkey would not tolerate terrorist activities targeting both its citizens and Syrian civilians.

The urgency of these remarks comes amidst a significant rebel offensive, widely considered the most substantial in recent years, which involved Turkish-backed factions capturing Aleppo from pro-Assad forces. This offensive also involved clashes with Kurdish YPG fighters, which Turkey categorically associates with the PKK, a group involved in an ongoing insurgency against the Turkish state. The offensive coincided with a delicate regional ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, prompting the U.N. Syria envoy to express concern over its implications for regional stability.

Fidan further underscored the importance of Israel honoring its commitments to ensure the permanence of the ceasefire in Lebanon, while advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The discussions encompassed broader geopolitical concerns as both leaders also examined matters related to Ukraine and the South Caucasus.

The Syrian conflict has been marked by a complex web of alliances and enmities involving various local and international actors. Turkey, a key player in the region, has been actively supporting certain rebel factions opposed to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Conversely, Turkey has a contentious relationship with the Kurdish YPG forces, which it views as an extension of the PKK, an organization designated as a terrorist group by Turkey and other countries. The situation in Syria continues to evolve, with recent flare-ups raising significant concerns regarding regional and global stability.

In conclusion, Turkey remains committed to facilitating a reduction in tensions in Syria while advocating for a comprehensive political solution involving all factions. The recent rebel offensive and its implications illustrate the fraught dynamics of the Syrian conflict and the broader regional landscape. Turkey’s stance underscores its strategic interests in maintaining stability and countering perceived threats from groups like the YPG while addressing urgent humanitarian needs in the region.

Original Source: www.newarab.com