Newsletters
The Dec. 31 deadline set for the implementation of the "March 10 Memorandum," which envisions the integration of the SDF into the Syrian central army, has passed without resolution.
The failure to reach an outcome in the talks between the central government in Damascus and the SDF has raised alarms in Ankara, as it directly impacts the ongoing "terror-free Türkiye" peace process.
Feti Yildiz, deputy chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), issued a harsh statement on social media regarding the collapse of the integration talks.
"The ringleader of the U.S. and Israeli-backed SDF terror formation, Mazlum Abdi, keeps nearly one-third of Syria under occupation," Yildiz stated. "This region possesses rich oil and gas reserves ... The organization's control of this region constitutes a serious obstacle to Syria's development."
Yildiz accused Israel of fueling chaos to depopulate the region and asserted that the window of opportunity has closed. "The time given to the PKK's Syrian branch, YPG/SDF, to comply with the March 10 memorandum has expired," he declared.
1 min read
The integration of the SDF into the Syrian army was considered a vital leg of the domestic peace process initiated by MHP leader Devlet Bahceli in October 2024. Following Bahceli's call, imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan had urged the organization to disarm, leading to a symbolic burning of weapons in Türkiye.
However, concerns are growing that the failure to implement the agreement in Syria could derail the entire process. Ocalan, in his recent New Year message, had specifically urged the SDF to comply with the memorandum. Bahceli also noted recently that "The SDF/YPG has not laid down arms yet," emphasizing that Ocalan's call covers all components of the group.
Following recent high-level visits by Turkish officials to Damascus, Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler reiterated Ankara's determination.
"Our state's stance on this issue is clear," Guler said. "We will not allow any terrorist organization, primarily the PKK/YPG/SDG, to continue its activities in the region or create any fait accompli."
Set as preferred source
1 min read
