Turkey will consider withdrawing its military forces from northern Syria only after certain conditions are met. These conditions include the acceptance of a comprehensive new constitution, the holding of free elections, and the full guarantee of border security. This was stated by Defense Minister Yaşar Güler in a written interview with Reuters.
Güler emphasized that any discussions about a Turkish pullout depend on meeting these essential requirements for ensuring stability and security in the region.
“We are ready to provide all the support we can for a comprehensive constitution to be accepted, for free elections to be held, and for a comprehensive normalization and security atmosphere to be created,” said Güler when asked about a possible Turkish withdrawal. “Only when these are done, and the security of our border is fully ensured, will we do what is necessary through mutual coordination,” he added.
The defense minister also indicated that there could be potential ministerial-level talks between Turkey and Syria, provided that the “suitable conditions” for such discussions are created. This follows Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent expression of willingness to engage in dialogue with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. However, Assad has maintained that talks would only be viable if they focus on Turkey’s withdrawal from Syrian territory.
Erdogan has long signaled that he might reconsider his relationship with Assad. In a gesture of reconciliation towards Damascus, Erdogan said in early July that he could invite Assad to Turkey “at any time.”
Turkey’s commitment to NATO and F-16 negotiations
In the interview, Güler reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to NATO, stating that the country prioritizes fulfilling its responsibilities to the alliance even as it explores closer ties with other international organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Güler clarified that NATO membership does not preclude Turkey from developing relations with the SCO.
The defense minister also discussed the ongoing negotiations over Turkey’s purchase of 40 Block-70 F-16 fighter jets and 79 modernization kits from the United States. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of the talks, which were greenlit following Turkey’s support for Sweden’s NATO membership bid, and hope that the deal will proceed smoothly.
“We are pleased with the agreement reached on the procurement of the F-16s and modernization, and we hope that the project will be completed without a problem until the last jet is delivered,” he said.
Güler mentioned that while Turkey remains interested in acquiring 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets from Germany, Britain, and Spain, there have been no significant developments on that front yet.
