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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized that Syria's territorial integrity must be preserved while criticizing SDF for continuing stalling tactics, speaking to journalists during his return flight from Azerbaijan's Independence Day celebrations.
The PYD/YPG, also referred to as the SDF, is the Syrian offshoot of the PKK terrorist organization. PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S. and the EU. Türkiye also considers YPG as an extension of the PKK in Syria.
Erdogan addressed questions about the PKK terrorist organization and developments in Syria-Damascus relations following recent dissolution decisions and ongoing negotiations.
"Syria's territorial integrity, unitary structure, and national unity must definitely be preserved," Erdogan stated when asked about the current state of Syria-Damascus relations and the terrorist disarmament process.
The Turkish president noted that while Türkiye had previously expressed positive views regarding the reached agreements, the Syrian Democratic Forces continue to take problematic approaches.
"We see that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are still continuing their stalling tactics. They must abandon this. We are closely monitoring the implementation of the decisions taken. What matters is the implementation of words according to the timeline in the agreement," Erdogan explained.
Erdogan confirmed ongoing diplomatic engagement with the Syrian leadership, stating that discussions with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa have focused on ensuring compliance with agreed timelines and commitments.
"Our meetings with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa were in this direction," he noted, emphasizing the importance of translating agreements into concrete actions rather than continued delays.
Addressing the broader terror-free Türkiye initiative, Erdogan expressed satisfaction with current developments while acknowledging ongoing challenges.
"Thank Allah, no problems or difficulties are visible in the terror-free Türkiye process. Developments continue in a positive direction. Despite a few cracked voices, the messages given are quite reasonable, positive, and constructive," the president stated.
Erdogan acknowledged that progress brings both increased hope and greater responsibility: "Of course, with each new stage, our burden increases along with our hopes."
The Turkish leader warned against efforts to undermine the ongoing peace process, emphasizing continued diplomatic engagement while maintaining security against potential sabotage.
"Our colleagues' meetings with Syria also continue. We are careful against those who want to poison the process. We will not give them an opportunity," Erdogan said.
Erdoğan outlined Türkiye’s core objective in regional security: eliminating terrorism and ensuring long-term stability.
"Our goal is very clear. This goal is to get rid of this terror problem that has caused Türkiye to lose time for years, caused us to lose our most valuable treasure, our people, and served the interests of Türkiye's enemies," he explained.
The president claimed unprecedented progress in addressing long-standing security challenges: "We have covered a distance that we have never achieved before."
Emphasizing Türkiye's commitment to national interests and public welfare, Erdogan rejected any compromise that might harm public security or national unity.
"Whatever we do, we do for our country Türkiye. Whatever we do, we do for the peace and safety of our nation. We will never be part of a bargain that would disturb our nation," he declared.
The president concluded by expressing confidence in national solidarity: "We trust our nation, we trust the power of brotherhood."
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