Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called for the immediate lifting of sanctions on Syria to aid economic recovery following years of conflict. During a visit to Damascus, he stressed the importance of international support for rebuilding efforts and the return of displaced persons, stating that sanctions hinder progress. This marks a notable shift in Turkey’s foreign policy as it seeks to engage with Syrian factions and facilitate the transition post-Assad.
In a decisive diplomatic move, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the urgent need for the international community to lift sanctions on Syria at a press conference following his visit to Damascus. He argued that these sanctions, which were imposed on the former regime, must be removed to facilitate the recovery of Syria’s economy, which has been severely impacted by over a decade of conflict. Minister Fidan stated, “The sanctions imposed on the previous regime need to be lifted as soon as possible.” He expressed a commitment for the international community to mobilize resources to assist in the rebuilding efforts and enable the return of displaced individuals.
Turkey has been proactively engaging in the transitional process following the recent upheaval in the Syrian government, particularly following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad on December 8. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also revealed ongoing collaborations with key figures, including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, to facilitate the drafting of a new constitution, which he regards as a pivotal step towards stability. While Turkey’s official stance towards HTS has been cautious, their interactions have grown over the years, particularly evident as Turkey allowed tactical operations aimed at securing regions like Aleppo, facilitating a significant shift in power dynamics within Syria.
Furthermore, Turkey is striving to address the humanitarian aspect of the Syrian conflict by working towards the repatriation of millions of Syrian refugees presently residing in Turkey since the onset of the war in 2011. The recent visit of Turkey’s intelligence chief, Ibrahim Kalin, to Damascus shortly after Assad’s departure underscores Ankara’s commitment to reinvigorating bilateral relations and seeking resolution for the long-standing crisis.
Turkey’s advocacy for lifting the sanctions and collaborating with local factions highlights its desire to play a direct role in shaping the future of Syria, fostering both economic recovery and political stability. This engagement marks a significant shift in Turkey’s foreign policy regarding the Syrian conflict, suggesting a more interventionist approach in the wake of considerable changes within the Syrian governance landscape.
The ongoing Syrian conflict, which started in 2011, has led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and severe economic degradation. Sanctions imposed by various international entities on the Syrian government have hindered reconstruction efforts, affecting the populace. As Turkey seeks to play a pivotal role in Syria’s reconstruction and stabilization post-conflict, its push to lift sanctions reflects a growing recognition of the need for international cooperation to revitalize the country. Additionally, Turkey’s involvement with local factions indicates a strategic shift in foreign policy as it navigates the complexities of regional dynamics and humanitarian needs.
In conclusion, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s call for the swift lifting of sanctions against Syria highlights the urgent need for international collaboration to aid the country’s recovery post-conflict. By promoting dialogue and constitutional reform, Turkey aims to stabilize the region while addressing the significant humanitarian crisis faced by displaced Syrians. This proactive stance reflects Turkey’s ambitions to influence Syria’s reconstruction and reinforce its role in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
