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Former Turkish PM discusses Syria, Kurds and path to national reconciliation

Future Party chairman Ahmet Davutoglu speaking in Ankara, Dec. 24, 2024.  (AA Photo)
Future Party chairman Ahmet Davutoglu speaking in Ankara, Dec. 24, 2024. (AA Photo)
December 24, 2024 05:22 PM GMT+03:00

Former Prime Minister and Future Party Chairman Ahmet Davutoglu responded to various key issues, including Türkiye’s policy toward Syria, the Kurdish population, and his party’s stance on national reconciliation. Davutoglu also addressed the possibility of visiting Damascus.

Why it matters

Davutoglu’s remarks highlighted a nuanced approach to Türkiye’s role in Syria and its relationship with Kurdish communities. His statements reflect an effort to balance Türkiye’s security concerns with regional diplomacy while signaling potential shifts in Türkiye’s domestic and foreign policy dynamics.

A gunman stands on the roof of a building to push away looters from the Najha military housing complex in southeast Damascus on December 17, 2024. - opposition took Damascus in a lightning offensive on December 8, ousting president Bashar al-Assad and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria. (Photo by Aris MESSINIS / AFP)GOLAN HEIGHTS, ISRAEL - DECEMBER 15: A view of military vehicles patrolling the Syrian-Israeli border in the Majdal Shams area of the Golan Heights, as the Israeli army reinforces its ground forces amid ongoing military mobilization in the region on December 15, 2024. ( Saeed Qaq - Anadolu Agency )
A gunman stands on the roof of a building to push away looters from the Najha military housing complex in southeast Damascus on December 17, 2024. - opposition took Damascus in a lightning offensive on December 8, ousting president Bashar al-Assad and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria. (Photo by Aris MESSINIS / AFP)GOLAN HEIGHTS, ISRAEL - DECEMBER 15: A view of military vehicles patrolling the Syrian-Israeli border in the Majdal Shams area of the Golan Heights, as the Israeli army reinforces its ground forces amid ongoing military mobilization in the region on December 15, 2024. ( Saeed Qaq - Anadolu Agency )

Details

  • On Kurds in Syria: Davutoglu stressed that Kurds are not a threat to Türkiye. He advocated for breaking the perception that all Syrian Kurds are under terrorist group PKK or PYD control, proposing a national reconciliation council to include representatives from diverse regions like Haseke, Aleppo and Afrin.

Davutoglu warned against the formation of irregular militia forces near Türkiye’s borders, emphasizing the need to prevent another "Kandil-like" situation. He supported a unitary Syrian state but indicated Türkiye could accept an autonomous federative structure if agreed upon by Syrians.

  • On US involvement: He called for clear communication with the United States, stating that local militias must either integrate into Syria’s national army or serve as local police, structured to ensure no threat to Türkiye.

Zoom in

When asked about visiting the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Davutoglu suggested that a visit would be more appropriate as part of an official high-level delegation led by the President of Türkiye. He expressed his hope for peace and stability in Syria and indicated his willingness to visit Damascus when the conditions are right.

Zoom out

Davutoglu also addressed speculation about a potential alliance with the AK Party. He maintained that his party’s focus is on presenting a credible alternative to Türkiye’s conservative electorate.

He summarized his stance as: "If you do right, we support you; if you do wrong, we oppose you."

December 24, 2024 05:22 PM GMT+03:00
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