Official statements from the Turkish government and analysis from credible international relations experts

Erdogan Declares New Political Reality in Syria, Emphasizes Turkey's 910 km Border and 13 Years of Conflict

Dec 7, 2024, 03:01 PM

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the ongoing situation in Syria during a speech at the AK Party's Gaziantep congress. He emphasized a new political and diplomatic reality in Syria, asserting that the future of the country should be determined by the Syrian people themselves. Erdoğan stated that Turkey has no territorial ambitions, declaring, "We do not look at anyone's territory, not even a pebble." He reiterated Turkey's commitment to national security, asserting that no actions threatening Turkey's security would be tolerated, particularly in light of the ongoing violence in Syria. Erdoğan also expressed a desire for peace in Syria, which has been mired in conflict for 13 years, stating that the Syrian people deserve freedom and security. He highlighted the importance of addressing the threats posed by terrorist organizations, acknowledging their attempts to exploit the situation. Erdoğan's comments come amid escalating tensions and attacks in regions like Idlib, which he described as a tipping point for Turkey's involvement in the conflict.