Turkey’s Firm Rejection of French Military Proposal on Syrian Border

Turkey has opposed the deployment of French troops at its Syrian border to support the SDF, which it labels as a terrorist group. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan asserted that countries should not act under the protection of U.S. power while pursuing their agendas. France’s backing of the SDF complicates relations, with Turkey warning of military action against Kurdish militias unless they adhere to Turkish demands.

Turkey has expressed strong opposition to a proposal for the deployment of French troops along its Syrian border aimed at establishing a security zone to alleviate tensions with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticized European nations attempting to further their interests under the guise of U.S. military operations, stating that such actions yield no real benefits for anyone involved. He affirmed Turkey’s readiness to conduct a military offensive against the Kurdish YPG militia unless they comply with Turkish demands regarding the removal of foreign fighters and PKK affiliates from the area.

While the French government has not officially proposed its involvement, President Emmanuel Macron affirmed France’s commitment to the SDF, which has played a significant role in the fight against the Islamic State. Fidan underscored that Turkey would only consider France’s perspective seriously if the country displayed a willingness to engage independently in Syria. He further criticized France for supporting what he deemed terrorist factions while neglecting its responsibilities for its detained citizens linked to terrorist activities.

The geopolitical dynamics in Syria remain complex, especially concerning the influence of various international players, including Turkey, the United States, and France. Turkey views the Kurdish YPG militia, a significant component of the SDF, as an extension of the PKK, which has conducted a long-standing insurgency against the Turkish state. The SDF’s connections with foreign actors, particularly the U.S. and its allies, complicate Turkey’s security concerns and its approach to resolving the situation along its southern border. The French commitment to the SDF, while valuable in the context of combating IS, poses challenges to Turkey’s geopolitical strategy and territorial integrity.

In summary, Turkey has firmly rejected the idea of a French military presence along its border with Syria, citing concerns over the support for the SDF, which Turkey perceives as a terrorist organization. The Turkish government urges responsible engagement from France, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding foreign nationals in custody related to terrorism. As geopolitical tensions persist, the dynamics in the region continue to evolve, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the Syrian conflict and the roles of international actors.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net