Erdogan issues a caution against efforts aiming to disrupt Syria's cohesion

In a series of recent discussions, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been actively engaging in efforts to promote peace in both Ukraine and Syria.

During negotiations in Istanbul, Erdogan expressed optimism about the path to peace in Ukraine, stating that it remains viable. He also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy by phone, discussing potential avenues to end the ongoing conflict. However, Erdogan noted that conditions were not yet in place for a leaders' level initiative.

Regarding Syria, Erdogan has emphasized Turkey's determination to secure lasting peace and prosperity. He believes that all segments of Syrian society, including Arabs, Kurds, Turkmens, Alawites, Sunnis, and Christians, will benefit from unity. Erdogan has affirmed that wherever Kurds live, they are considered brothers by Turkey.

However, the restoration of peace in Syria faces challenges, with multiple regional and international powers, such as Russia, Iran, Turkey, and the United States, having conflicting interests. These actors, along with various Syrian factions and external militant groups, contribute to ongoing military, political, and diplomatic deadlocks that prevent a comprehensive peace agreement.

Erdogan has criticized the United States' recent decision to revoke visas for Palestinian officials, stating that it is incompatible with the very purpose of the United Nations. He also expressed expectations for a clear stance against Israel's ongoing violence and oppression from the United States.

Turkey has maintained open channels with both Moscow and Kiev since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, seeking to mediate between the two parties. Erdogan discussed potential avenues to end the conflict with Russian President Vladimir Putin in China.

Despite the lack of recent indications of a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelensky, Erdogan has threatened that whoever tries to sabotage the peace process will bear the consequences. He has also warned that actors investing in chaos will ultimately fail.

In Syria, debates over federalism have been rekindled amid tensions involving Druze and Arab tribes in the south. The integration process under the March 10 agreement between Syria's new authorities and YPG-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has largely stalled.

Erdogan has affirmed that preventing the Palestinian delegation from participating in the United Nations General Assembly serves only Israel's interests. He has threatened that those obstructing Syria's recovery and Damascus' process for establishing national unity will pay the price.

Erdogan also believes in a gradual approach to negotiations, stating that Turkey favors "raising the level of negotiations gradually" to turn hopes for peace into concrete results.