FM Urges Syria-Turkey Détente to Restore Damascus's Sovereignty Over Its Territory

At a quadrilateral meeting in Moscow on Wednesday, which was intended to bring about reconciliation between Damascus and Ankara, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian addressed his Syrian, Turkish, and Russian counterparts.

He stated that Syria’s neighbors, particularly Turkey, could work together with the Arab nation to ensure it regains full authority over its national sovereignty, as this would benefit Syria’s stability and security, as well as the security and boundary stability of the nearby countries.

The Iranian foreign minister suggested that the deployment of Syrian forces to the borders and the establishment of safety measures in collaboration with neighboring countries can help assuage Turkey’s security concerns and put an end to terrorist and separatist activities.

He noted that it could also restore the neighborly and strategic relations between the two sides and establish a mutually-agreed timetable for the withdrawal of Turkish military forces from shared border areas with Syria.

Amir-Abdollahian stated that a powerful and sovereign Syria has the potential to triumph over terrorism, secessionism, and the US military’s seizing and exploitation of the nation’s resources.

In March 2012, Turkey cut off diplomatic ties with Syria, one year after the Arab nation became embroiled in a violent conflict instigated by foreign-backed militants.

After 11 years, the two neighboring countries are now taking steps towards reconciliation.

Turkey has sent troops into Syria without respect for the Arab nation’s sovereignty.

In October 2019, Turkish military forces launched a cross-border invasion in an effort to push militants from the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) away from the border areas. This invasion had been threatened for some time and it was accompanied by the deployment of Ankara-backed militants to northeastern Syria.

Turkey’s government in Ankara perceives the United States-supported YPG as a terrorist group affiliated with the native Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). This organization has been striving for an independent Kurdish region in Turkey since 1984.

In his speech, Amir-Abdollahian noted the unique circumstances in global affairs, stating that “All indications and elements support the transformation of the world order, the weakening of the United States’ authority, and the growth of regionalism.”

The Iranian foreign minister stressed that the days where the traditional powers of the world were able to act alone and impose their views are over. He then went on to say that the necessary foundations have been laid in order to find solutions to Syria’s issues, with maturity and political action, and to guarantee security, stability and progress in Syria and the whole region.

He urged for international collaboration between countries and organizations to facilitate the repatriation of Syrian refugees, rebuild the country that has been decimated by conflict, and improve the quality of life of the people.

The highest ranking Iranian official cautioned that putting forth political stipulations and double-sided approaches would not only be ineffective in resolving this humanitarian matter, but would instead make it more complex.