Ankara, July 25, 2025 – The Europe Today: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has expressed serious concern over recent developments in southern Syria, particularly the violent clashes between Druze and Bedouin groups in Suwayda province, warning that such unrest could jeopardize Syria’s national unity and territorial integrity.
Speaking in an interview with Turkish broadcaster NTV, Fidan emphasized that Türkiye had to respond diplomatically to the rising tensions, as mobilizations were observed across several regions of Syria.
“We saw statements and actions from these groups across the north, south, east, and west of the country. As Türkiye, we had to issue our warning because we are committed to Syria’s unity and territorial integrity,” Fidan stated.
He reiterated that Türkiye’s principal objective in Syria remains the restoration of regional stability and security, a goal shared by neighboring countries, the European Union, and the United States. He further highlighted Türkiye’s role in international efforts supporting a peaceful transition in Syria and welcomed recent positive signals from the newly formed Syrian government.
Fidan also warned of strategic manipulation by external actors, particularly Israel, accusing them of exploiting Syria’s instability for their own geopolitical interests.
“We’ve always seen that some actors wanted Syria to remain in a state of chaos, to prevent its strengthening,” he said.
Condemnation of Sectarian Violence and Call for National Dialogue
Condemning the recent violence in Suwayda, Fidan called for swift accountability for those responsible and rejected any justification for violence based on ethnic or religious identity.
“This violence is unacceptable. We oppose any action that jeopardizes national unity, whether it’s suppressing ethnic or religious groups, or putting the country at risk in the name of protecting them,” he asserted.
He stressed that the state should remain the sole legitimate authority wielding arms and warned against the proliferation of armed groups operating outside governmental control.
“The state should not use its power to suppress groups, but at the same time, no one should hold weapons outside of state control,” Fidan added.
Dialogue with Kurdish Forces and Need for Inclusive Governance
Turning to the issue of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which Ankara links to the PKK/YPG, Fidan underlined the importance of the group reaching a voluntary and unconditional agreement with the central Syrian government.
“It’s essential for the SDF to make a voluntary agreement with the central government and implement it sincerely,” he said, adding that Türkiye is willing to serve as a guarantor for such an agreement.
He emphasized that all agreements must uphold the rights and freedoms of every Syrian citizen, including Kurds, and should not serve narrow group interests.
Fidan expressed hope that the agreement signed on March 10 between the Damascus government and the SDF would be implemented without further violence.
Support for Institutional Reconstruction and Regional Stability
The Turkish Foreign Minister also voiced strong support for legitimate international cooperation in Syria’s defense sector, particularly in counterterrorism and the rebuilding of national institutions.
“Syria is in dire need of help to rebuild its institutions. It’s impossible to establish security, order, or provide services without restructuring key state institutions like the military, health care, education, and energy sectors,” he stressed.
Fidan affirmed that Türkiye stands ready to assist Syria in these efforts, alongside other regional partners, to ensure long-term peace and governance.
Concerns Over Foreign Interference and Positive Outlook for Mediation Efforts
Commenting on the clashes that erupted on July 13 in Suwayda, Fidan linked the unrest to unresolved historical tensions and expressed concern over alleged Israeli attempts to block neutral Syrian government interventions.
“Our objection has always been that Syria’s government should have the authority to intervene in such issues,” he said.
Despite ongoing skirmishes, Fidan noted that diplomatic efforts had yielded some progress, with Syrian government forces and police now deployed in the affected areas. He commended Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara for his inclusive leadership and efforts to resolve internal disputes through dialogue.
“We support the Syrian government’s approach to mediation and peaceful conflict resolution,” Fidan concluded.
