Turkish Foreign Minister Voices Concerns Over Syria’s Rising Ethnic Conflicts

(MENAFN) Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan voiced serious concerns about escalating conflicts in Syria, especially violent confrontations between Druze and Bedouin communities in the southern region. He warned these tensions could endanger Syria’s cohesion and sovereignty.

Fidan stressed that Türkiye must take a diplomatic stance as multiple groups throughout Syria appear increasingly mobilized.

"We saw statements and actions from these groups across the north, south, east, and west of the country. As Türkiye, we had to issue our warning because we are committed to Syria's unity and territorial integrity," he stated.

Speaking in an interview with a Turkish network, Fidan reaffirmed that Türkiye’s foremost goal in Syria remains securing regional stability and safety, a priority shared by neighboring nations, the European Union, and the United States. He noted that Türkiye is part of a broader international initiative aimed at supporting a peaceful transition in Syria, which has recently received encouraging feedback from the country’s new government.

Highlighting strategic interests of other regional players, Fidan accused some external forces, including Israel, of attempting to exploit Syria’s fragile situation.

"We've always seen that some actors wanted Syria to remain in a state of chaos, to prevent its strengthening," he said.

Urgent Diplomatic Appeals and Condemnation of Violence
Fidan condemned the ongoing bloodshed between Druze and Bedouin groups in Suwayda province, calling for rapid accountability for those fueling the unrest.

"This violence is unacceptable," he declared, stressing that no faction should undermine Syria’s unity under the pretext of defending ethnic or religious identities.

"We oppose any action that jeopardizes national unity, whether it's suppressing ethnic or religious groups, or putting the country at risk in the name of protecting them," he added.

Türkiye’s position, according to Fidan, demands respect for the rights of all ethnic and religious communities in Syria while insisting that only the Syrian government holds legitimate military power.

"The state should not use its power to suppress groups, but at the same time, no one should hold weapons outside of state control," he emphasized.

Fidan also revealed that Türkiye has consistently relayed this stance to Israel through both intelligence and diplomatic channels, underscoring that no nation should threaten Syria’s territorial sovereignty.

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