Official statements from the U.S. Department of State or Department of Defense

Turkey Rejects PKK/YPG Shelter in Syria, Urges Cooperation with New Syrian Admin

Dec 28, 2024, 03:51 PM

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan conveyed to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a phone call that Turkey will not allow the PKK/YPG, also known as PKK/FDS, terrorist group to take shelter in Syria. Fidan emphasized the importance of cooperating with Syria's new administration to ensure stability in the country and to complete the transition period in an orderly manner. He also stressed that more efforts are needed to achieve a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Blinken, in response, highlighted the need to support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that upholds human rights and prioritizes an inclusive and representative government. Both officials discussed their shared goal of preventing terrorism from endangering the security of Turkey and Syria, particularly in light of the U.S. support for the Syrian Democratic Forces, which control territories in northeastern Syria and are seen as an extension of the PKK/YPG.