No concessions made to PKK/YPG-led SDF on autonomy or self-governance in Syria: FM Fidan

Türkiye has made no compromises with the PKK/YPG-led SDF, a terrorist group operating in Syria, regarding its efforts for autonomy or self-governance, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Friday.

“We do not believe any concessions have ever been made to the SDF regarding attempts for autonomy or self-governance in Syria,” Fidan told TV100, a Turkish television channel.

“It is essential for all armed elements involved in terror acts in Syria to be excluded from the equation, and for all populations to return to normal life,” he added.

On Monday, the Syrian Presidency announced the signing of an agreement between Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Ferhad Abdi Sahin, one of the ringleaders of the PKK/YPG terrorist group and the so-called commander of the SDF, stressing the unity of Syrian territory and rejecting division.

The agreement envisions the integration of Syrian Arab Republic institutions and affirms territorial unity while rejecting any form of division, said the presidency on X.

The PKK/YPG, also referred to as the SDF, is the Syrian offshoot of the PKK.

“Our advice to the new Syrian administration is to grant Syrian Kurds their rights,” Fidan said. “This is very important for both President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Türkiye.”

‘Historic opportunity’

Fidan urged the PKK to take heed of recent calls for its dissolution, viewing it as a “historic opportunity.”

“The PKK should take this call as a basis and initiate the process to disband itself,” he said.

“If the PKK seizes this window of opportunity, it will be a breakthrough for Türkiye and the region. If others change their stance, that’s up to them. We’re prepared for any scenario,” Fidan added.

In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and the elderly.

The PKK’s jailed leader, Abdullah Ocalan, called for the dissolution of the PKK and all affiliated groups on Feb. 27, urging an end to its terror campaign.

‘Türkiye poised to forge regional center of attraction’

Meanwhile, commenting on differing opinions on how to end the Ukraine war, Fidan said: “The start of the war in Ukraine divided parties, and its end is dividing them as well. Statements from Türkiye, made from the beginning, are now being voiced by the U.S.”

Ankara has, from the start, called for an end to the more than three-year-long war between Russia and Ukraine through negotiations. This approach has now been adopted by the U.S. under President Donald Trump.

Additionally, Fidan suggested that a group comprising the UK, some European countries, and Türkiye could potentially establish its own sphere of influence in the region.

“It is quite possible for a structure that includes the UK, certain European countries, and Türkiye to create its own center of attraction in the region,” he said.

“This capability exists, the opportunity is there. It’s simply a matter of putting forth the will and pursuing it,” Fidan added.

He highlighted that if Türkiye had joined the EU in 2007-2008, the UK would likely not have exited the EU.

“A structure that includes Türkiye and the UK within the EU would inevitably have developed its own foreign policy and security architecture much earlier,” he argued.