Syria has reacted coldly to Türkiye’s stance on “Syrian-Turkish rapprochement,” which hinted at progress in diplomatic efforts between Moscow and Ankara, with some Arab support.
On Monday, the pro-government Syrian newspaper Al-Watan reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made statements about rapprochement with Syria but deliberately avoided mentioning Türkiye’s occupation of Syrian territory.
He also refused to suggest any withdrawal of Turkish forces from the north.
Al-Watan criticized this as ignoring Syria’s clear demands for Türkiye to address the occupation and announce plans for withdrawal, as well as to name terrorist groups explicitly.
According to the Syrian newspaper, “Ankara does not seem prepared to meet these demands.”
Previously, Al-Watan reported, citing sources in Damascus, that there are “ongoing talks with Moscow and Arab capitals to ensure any meeting with the Turkish side results in a clear, explicit, and public commitment to withdraw completely from all Syrian territories occupied by the Turkish military, and its allies, within a specified timeframe.”
This is seen as “a crucial foundation for addressing remaining issues.”
Sources in Damascus, speaking under conditions of anonymity, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Syrian-Turkish issue remains unresolved, despite recent Turkish statements suggesting progress.
Even if Syria and Türkiye are willing to improve relations, this issue is linked to several complex matters such as the return of refugees to Syria, where over 3 million are registered in Türkiye, and dealing with the autonomous administration, local armed groups in the north, and foreign fighters.
The sources mentioned that any progress in Syrian-Turkish ties would require both sides to make concessions or negotiate settlements with other parties to ensure regional stability, a necessary condition for any improvement.
They noted that “conditions are not yet favorable.”
