Türkiye’s support for HTS false narrative, says AK Party spox
AK Party Deputy Chairman and Party Spokesperson Omer Celik made statements at the party headquarters. (AA Photo)
Türkiye’s ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AK Party) spokesperson, Omer Celik, clarified on Monday that the narrative that Türkiye supports Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group that has become the most powerful armed opposition force in Syria, is false.
Celik made these remarks after the AK Party’s Central Executive Committee meeting that concluded under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Celik addressed the media, offering insights into the party’s position on various key issues, including developments in Syria, Türkiye’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, and the evolving security landscape in the region.
Commenting on the developments in Syria, Celik said: “The leadership of our President led Türkiye to stand on the right side of history. Our state and nation stood on the right side of history despite the difficulties of this process.”
There are some allegations. We see some people claiming that Türkiye is behind the HTS mobilization. The statements that we are behind the HTS mobilization are false. Our entire initiative was to prevent bloodshed in Syria. It is said that these mobilized and how this result emerged in such a short time. It is thanks to the support given to the rotten structure of the regime that it has survived this long. A number of violations were committed by the regime and promises were not kept. HTS mobilized to take the areas that belonged to it, and progress was made when it was seen that the military regime was nowhere to be seen. When it was seen that the regime soldiers laid down their arms and fled, there was no power left. Saying that Türkiye is behind this means not understanding the issues correctly.
AK Party Spokesman Omer Celik
Focus on Syria, Türkiye’s role in regional stability
Celik began by discussing Türkiye’s continued involvement in Syria, highlighting the significance of the Turkish flag now being flown in Syria following the reopening of the Turkish Embassy in Damascus.
Celik underscored Türkiye’s long-standing support for the Syrian people, emphasizing that while many countries seek to exploit Syria’s instability, Türkiye has remained committed to its principle that “Syria belongs to the Syrians.”
Celik remarked on the positive shift in sentiment among the Syrian populace, with many Syrians now carrying Turkish flags as a sign of gratitude for Türkiye’s support over the years.
“This is a testament to the positive feelings toward Türkiye’s role in Syria,” Celik said.
Our top priority is the developments in Syria. Syria is our main topic, along with Gaza. The 61-year Baathist regime is over. It is extremely important that our brothers and sisters from all walks of life in Syria look to the future with hope. Our Turkish flag is being carried by Syrian citizens in the squares. The fact that they fly our flag in this way expresses their positive feelings toward Türkiye’s support during the 13-year period. While many states were looking at Syria, as a ground to exploit, Türkiye continued on its way to support them with the slogan “Syria belongs to Syrians.
AK Party Spokesman Omer Celik
Turkish Embassy reopens after 12 years in Syria
After a 12-year hiatus, Türkiye’s embassy in Syria has resumed operations, symbolizing a new phase in diplomatic relations.
The reopening of the embassy is seen as a critical step in fostering long-term stability in Syria, according to Celik. He noted that this decision reflects Türkiye’s belief in Syria‘s territorial integrity and its commitment to a peaceful resolution.
After 12 years, our embassy took office, and our flag was raised. This can be read as our state will stand by Syria in this difficult journey.
AK Party Spokesman Omer Celik
Reassessing the role of Bashar al-Assad
Celik also discussed the ongoing challenges surrounding the Syrian regime, led by Bashar al-Assad.
According to Celik, while some international observers may be surprised by Assad’s continued hold on power, Türkiye views this as the result of significant external support. “We understand how the regime has managed to survive—with the backing of certain forces,” Celik said, underscoring that Türkiye’s approach has always been to support Syria’s territorial integrity rather than bolster any individual leader.
He also addressed concerns surrounding the future governance of Syria, stressing that the real issue is the country’s unity. “The main issue is Syria’s territorial integrity, and the second is its national sovereignty,” Celik stated.
Criticism of ‘Western approaches’ to Syria
Celik expressed concern over what he termed the “misguided” approach of some Western nations towards Syria.
He criticized the international community for pressuring Syria to adopt unrealistic democratic standards, comparing such efforts to a misunderstanding of the country’s current realities. He urged countries to focus on supporting Syria’s constitutional order and territorial integrity rather than imposing unattainable standards.
“International actors need to support Syria in establishing a constitutional order, not apply standards that don’t fit the country’s context,” he said.
There will be attempts by those who want to make Syria a satellite state. Some terrorist organizations will act in parallel with those who want it to be a failed state. Syria must continue on its way to a state whose territorial integrity is respected. It should not become a field for anyone.
We closely follow the messages of Western countries. We see that they put some footnotes about support for Syria. They involve the Russian bases there for support. In this way, the attitude that you will take on an attitude like this is not correct. It would be to bring up the troubles that have been suffered there until now. They want a Scandinavian democracy from the Syrian government; the conditions there are clear. It is necessary to support the establishment of a constitutional order there. They should help for a strong democracy. It is not right to intervene by imposing such standards and bringing up issues that have already been resolved by saying that if you don’t do this or that, it will be like this.
What the countries in the region what the western countries should do is help Syria. This is a key point. Terrorist organizations that have usurped the land of various communities must be eliminated. Everyone should take a hand in solving the Daesh issue. Working with terrorist organizations against terrorist organizations is a primitive approach.
AK Party Spokesman Omer Celik
Addressing Israel’s actions in Syria, PKK/YPG terror group
Regarding Israel’s actions in Syria, Celik pointed out that Israel has taken advantage of regional instability to escalate its occupation of the Golan Heights, moving closer to Damascus.
He warned these actions would lead to serious reactions from Syria and the international community. “Israel’s actions are violations of Syrian sovereignty, and they will face consequences,” Celik stated.
Israel took advantage of the vacuum and started occupying the Golan. Coming close to Damascus, it has taken a government decision that the troops are moving to winter basing and will be given settlements. This is occupying the territory of another sovereign country. They will have to face some reactions. We see that instead of giving a message to the new administration for the welfare of the Syrian people, they are giving a message about Israel’s security. If you are so sensitive, the Netanyahu government should give up this aggression. In Syria, the regime has collapsed, not the state. The agreement is in force.
On the PKK/YPG issue, it is unthinkable for any terrorist organization to control a region. They also use DAESH as an excuse. The PKK’s tunnels are the subject of a lawsuit. They should terminate these projects. We make a distinction between terrorist organizations and the people. Terrorist organizations have no place there. PKK/PYD is a micro Baath regime model. This is done because it is a useful apparatus. Eventually, the PKK-PYD terrorist organization will be liquidated there.
Whoever is in Syria should come together and form this new administration under the slogan that Syria belongs to Syrians. Those who say Türkiye is dominating here are trying to cover up their own intentions.
AK Party Spokesman Omer Celik
