Turkey’s Foreign Minister Advocates Sanction Lifting in Syria’s Transition

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss political transitions and reconstruction following Assad’s regime. Both advocated for the lifting of sanctions and emphasized national unity. Discussions also touched on a new constitution and minority rights, while the role of international powers remains crucial to Syria’s recovery.

The Foreign Minister of Turkey, Hakan Fidan, recently met with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus. This meeting was aimed at discussing Syria’s political transition and the rebuilding efforts following the collapse of the Assad regime. Both officials emphasized the importance of stability and unity in Syria and advocated for the lifting of international sanctions on the country.

During a joint press conference, Fidan expressed Turkey’s commitment to assisting Syria and stated, “We will continue to stand by your side … Hopefully the darkest days of Syria are behind [and] better days await us.” He called for the expeditious removal of sanctions to facilitate Syria’s recovery and support the return of displaced individuals.

Al-Sharaa echoed these sentiments, urging the global community to lift sanctions, asserting, “All the economic sanctions must be lifted, now the predator has gone and only the victims remain.” He highlighted the historical context of these sanctions, many of which dated back several decades, insisting on immediate action to advance Syria’s progress.

The discussions included the proposal for a new constitutional framework to protect minority rights, as well as addressing issues related to the Turkish-backed Syrian fighters, the Kurdish YPG, and the matter of Syrian refugees. Fidan’s visit also coincided with ongoing conflicts involving the YPG in northeastern Syria, which Turkey labels as a terrorist organization.

Al-Sharaa also welcomed Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, who expressed hope for a new chapter in Syria-Lebanon relations following the exit of Assad. Jumblatt underscored the need for inclusivity and the protection of minorities in the new governance framework, while al-Sharaa committed to ensuring fair representation for all sects in Syria’s upcoming administrative structures.

The international community remains attentive to the post-Assad era developments, particularly regarding the aspirations for reform, stability, and the protection of marginalized groups. Observers continue to question the likelihood that the new administration will honor commitments to minority rights and equitable representation.

The meeting between Turkey’s Foreign Minister and Syria’s new leader represents a significant development in the ongoing aftermath of the Syrian civil war that began in 2011. The discussions revolved around the political transition in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad and the pressing need for reconstruction in a nation devastated by years of conflict. Turkish involvement has historically been linked to the support of opposition forces and the management of Syrian refugees. The recent shift in Syria’s power structure opens avenues for dialogue and potential aid from Turkey, challenging long-standing international stances on sanctions against the Assad regime.

The meeting between Turkey’s Hakan Fidan and Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa signifies a pivotal moment in the region, heralding potential cooperation between Turkey and the new Syrian administration focused on political transition and reconstruction. Both leaders called for an end to international sanctions, and they expressed a commitment to protecting minorities and drafting a new constitution. The global response to this emerging dynamic will likely shape future relations and stability in Syria.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com