Four Conditions from Turkey’s Foreign Ministry for ‘Normalization’ with Assad

The process of ‘normalization’ between Turkey and Syria is back on the agenda, with the Turkish Foreign Ministry listing four conditions for relations to return to their pre-2011 state. Efforts for ‘normalization’ between Turkey and Syria continue through mutual statements.

Last month, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to normalize relations between the two countries, stating:

AFTER ALL WE WERE NOT ENEMIES WITH SYRIA IN THE PAST

“If Bashar Assad takes a step towards mending relations with Turkey, we will respond in kind. After all, we were not enemies with Syria in the past; we used to meet with Assad on a family level. We will extend our invitation, and with this invitation, we hope to restore Turkey-Syria relations to where they were before. This invitation could happen at any moment.”

Assad responded positively to the calls but emphasized that for normalization, Turkey must stop supporting ‘terrorism’ and withdraw its forces from Syria.

Defense Minister Yaşar Güler lowered the level of talks with Syria to the ministerial level, stating that discussions could take place if suitable conditions arise. He also outlined Turkey’s conditions for withdrawal from Syria:

“Turkey can only consider withdrawal after a new constitution is accepted, elections are held, and borders are secured.”

Assad later announced on August 25th that normalization efforts with Turkey had ended negatively. He reiterated that Turkey must withdraw from Syria, saying, “The statements of Turkish officials are baseless; our criterion is sovereignty.”

FOUR CONDITIONS TO RETURN TO PRE-2011 STATE

In a new statement, sources from the Turkish Foreign Ministry outlined four conditions for relations to return to their pre-2011 state:

1. Cleansing Syria of terrorist elements to preserve its territorial integrity and unity.

2. Achieving genuine national reconciliation in Syria based on the legitimate demands and expectations of its people, within the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

3. Creating the necessary conditions for safe and dignified returns, linked to the reconciliation process.

4. Ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian aid.