Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel has said Türkiye should not withdraw its military forces from Syria until the country’s territorial integrity and political stability are ensured.
“The Turkish Armed Forces will be where they need to be for Türkiye’s security,” Özel told daily Hürriyet in an interview published on Dec. 12.
He called on the Turkish government to take a constructive role in fostering Syria’s stability after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime by opposition forces.
“No one can say Türkiye should withdraw unless the territorial integrity and stability of Syria are ensured,” he said. “It must be guaranteed that no threat will come from the border and the barrels will not be turned on Türkiye.”
Türkiye has maintained a military presence in northern Syria since 2016, citing the need to counter threats from PKK and YPG.
Özel also highlighted the importance of preventing the emergence of what he described as a “terror state or statelets” in Syria and called for measures to protect Turkish soldiers stationed in the region.
PKK is listed as a terror organization by Türkiye, the United States and the European Union. Ankara also sees YPG as its Syrian wing.
hurriyetdalynews.com