Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pledged Turkey’s support to assist Syria in restructuring its state and drafting a new constitution. Erdogan highlighted ongoing cooperation with HTS leaders and emphasized the importance of an inclusive constitution. Turkey aims to support Syrian energy needs and reconstruction efforts while ensuring security against Kurdish threats.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Turkey is committed to assisting the new Syrian administration based in Damascus in restructuring the state and drafting a new constitution. Erdogan specified that cooperation is already underway with leaders such as Ahmed al-Sharaa from Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (“HTS”). He emphasized the significance of creating an inclusive constitution and a political system that will shape Syria’s future following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December.
Erdogan reinforced Turkey’s willingness to provide crucial support across multiple sectors, including energy, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction, highlighting the importance of these efforts in facilitating the return of approximately three million Syrian refugees currently residing in Turkey. He also mentioned an impending visit from Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, indicating that discussions will continue regarding the establishment of the new administration.
The Turkish government, while having engaged with HTS in the past, has refrained from indicating direct support for the group. The relationship indicates a shared objective of restructuring Syria, especially after Ankara played a role in the recent events that contributed to Assad’s departure. Erdogan also reaffirmed Turkey’s position on addressing security concerns posed by Kurdish separatist groups along its southern border, asserting that they will not allow any threats from entities linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
The announcement comes in the context of a significant political shift in Syria following the removal of Bashar al-Assad. Turkey has historically maintained interests in Syrian affairs, particularly concerning issues of governance, security, and refugee resettlement. Erdogan’s government views the stabilization of Syria as critical not only for regional security but also for enabling the safe return of the Syrian refugee population to their homeland. Furthermore, the relationship with HTS complicates Turkey’s engagement strategies, considering HTS’s designation among more radical factions in the Syrian conflict. Turkish officials are advocating for an end to sanctions preventing Syria’s reconstruction, aiming for an international consensus that would facilitate aid and development efforts.
In summary, Turkey’s involvement in aiding the new Syrian administration signifies a pivotal step in the post-Assad political landscape. President Erdogan’s commitment to helping draft a constitution and rebuild the war-torn country reflects Turkey’s strategic interests in ensuring regional stability and the return of Syrian refugees. As Turkey navigates its relationships with various actors in Syria, the potential success of these initiatives will significantly impact the socioeconomic future of Syria.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
