Kombos: Turkish Influence in Syria must not Create a Worse Situation

Speaking to British television channel Sky News, he said that to this end, it must be ensured that “the sensitivities of all the other countries in the region are taken into account”.

He also said there are now “renewed conflicts in relation to or against the Kurds”, who make up a high proportion of the population of areas of northeastern Syria, northern Iraq, and southern Turkey, and that “this is all creating a very volatile state of affairs”.

“Therefore, we should all be very careful in sending the right messages,” he said.

Pressed by news anchor Anna Botting on whether he would therefore “support a Kurdish homeland”, he said, “we need to remember that the Kurds were left on their own during critical moments in time, so the international community needs to look at the issue again in a way that ensures there is the necessary stability in the area”.

“The stability of the region depends on how the Kurds are able to exercise their right to self-determination in a way that is constructive Syria, and constructive towards the whole region, but at the same time, we need to ensure that the attacks which are going on against the Kurds are being contained, are stopped,” he said.

To this end, he said the international community “needs to make sure there is an actual equilibrium of power in the region which would provide for a new Syria which is inclusive”.

On the matter of Syria as a whole, he said the fall of the Assad regime presents a “window of opportunity”, but also a high risk of a collapse, as has been seen in other countries in recent decades when dictatorships have been overthrown.

“We must have an inclusive, open, transparent and autonomous process which will lead to a transition of power, certainly without interference from third parties,” he said.

He also said direct contact with the new Syrian leadership should be carried out “with caution if deemed necessary”, warning against “legitimising the new leadership until it is clear where things are headed and until there are assurances of a transparent transition of power which respects minorities’ rights”.

“We are still at the beginning of this situation. The situation is very volatile,” he said.

Kombos’ mention of Turkish influence in the region came as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Ankara to discuss with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan the large number of Syrian nationals who have taken refuge in the country since the civil war in the country began in 2011.

Von der Leyen congratulated Erdogan on Turkey’s hosting of millions of Syrian refugees, and also announced new European Union funds for Turkey to continue to host them and potentially facilitate their return to their country, should it be safe to do so.

“In this context, we stand by you in this effort. Since 2011, the European Union has provided almost €10 billion to support refugees and host communities. In this context, I am very happy to announce than an additional €1bn has already been allocated for 2024,” she said.

She added that this extra billion will “among other things, support the health system and refugees’ education”.

“It will also focus on migration and border security, and will also support the voluntary return of Syrian refugees. As developments continue o the ground, we can allocate this €1bn to Syria as needs arise,” she said.

With this in mind, she said Turkey is a “key partner in the Eastern Mediterranean in terms of migration management”.

Source: Reuters