The Assad regime responded to recent Turkish initiatives aimed at normalizing relations between the two nations. This development comes amid tensions between Russia and Iran regarding the preferred venue for potential talks between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Bashar al-Assad.
According to the British website Middle East Eye, Russian President Vladimir Putin opposes the idea of Iraq hosting a meeting between Erdogan and Assad. Sources described as “informed” suggested that Putin prefers such a meeting to be held in Turkey. Despite this, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani aims to host the first personal meeting between the two leaders in over a decade, viewing it as a means to bolster his status ahead of the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections.
Erdogan has publicly spoken about inviting Assad to Turkey, indicating a willingness to meet under Russian sponsorship. Baghdad has made progress in mediation efforts, convincing the Assad regime to drop its preconditions and demand only the eventual withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syria.
However, Iran does not want to be sidelined as Iraqi efforts advance. Discussions have risen about Baghdad hosting future talks between Ankara and Damascus, with the Iraqi Prime Minister revealing at the end of May that ongoing discussions involve both the Turkish President and the Assad regime leader.
By the end of June, Turkish official statements became more open toward the Assad regime, with Erdogan hinting at the possibility of inviting Assad to visit Turkey. These overtures, preceded by Assad’s openness to initiatives related to Damascus-Ankara relations, were met with official disregard from the Assad regime, maintaining its stance on the Turkish presence in northern Syria.
US Representative Joe Wilson expressed his disappointment with Erdogan’s public request to meet Assad, emphasizing that normalizing relations with Assad is akin to “normalizing with death itself” and urging the Senate to pass the Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act.
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented for the first time on the Turkish statements and normalization initiatives. In a statement, the ministry emphasized that Syria distinguishes between peoples and the policies of governments that have harmed the country. The regime stressed its commitment to building sound relationships based on mutual interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
“Syria was keen to deal positively with various initiatives to improve relations,” the statement read. However, the regime reiterated that any initiative must ensure Turkish withdrawal from Syrian territory and the fight against terrorist groups.
The ministry expressed gratitude to countries making sincere efforts to correct the relationship between Turkey and Syria, stating that the return of normal relations is predicated on the situation that existed before 2011, which “ensures the security and stability of both nations.”
Turkey has shown a desire to restore relations with the Assad regime, with Erdogan expressing his willingness to meet Assad. Turkish officials aim to find common solutions for the presence of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in northeastern Syria and the return of Syrian refugees.
Despite these efforts, the American Associated Press reported that significant differences remain between Turkey and the Assad regime, and both parties are awaiting the outcome of the US elections to make decisive moves. As discussions continue, the path to normalization remains fraught with challenges, influenced by the geopolitical interests of Russia and Iran, and the evolving dynamics in the region.
