France 24 reports that Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, made a major speech on Sunday, announcing that all weapons in the country would be placed under state control. The declaration was made in Damascus at a joint news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
The move is seen as part of efforts to unify Syria under a single authority following years of conflict.
Speaking about the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Sharaa emphasized, “We will absolutely not allow there to be weapons in the country outside state control, whether from the revolutionary factions or the factions present in the SDF area.
The SDF, backed by the United States, controls large parts of northern and northeastern Syria.
However, Turkey regards the group as closely tied to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group Ankara considers a terrorist organization.
Sharaa, who leads the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), outlined plans to restructure Syria’s military.
He revealed that armed factions would disband and integrate into the army after consultations with defense and military officials.
The leader also pledged to protect Syria’s diverse communities, stating, “Syria is a country for all, and we can coexist together.
Turkey’s Perspective.
During the press conference, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan underscored Turkey’s opposition to U.S. support for the SDF, highlighting its implications for NATO dynamics.
“When we look at it from America’s interests, as a mathematical calculation whether Turkey or a terrorist organization like the PKK is more important Mr. Trump sees the mathematics immediately, Fidan remarked, referring to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
Fidan also called for the immediate lifting of international sanctions on Syria, stressing the need for global efforts to aid the country’s recovery and facilitate the return of displaced Syrians.
He lauded the sacrifices made by Syrian rebels, saying, “This victory belongs to you and no one else. Thanks to your sacrifices, Syria has seized a historic opportunity.
International Implications.
The statements reflect a potential shift in Syria’s post-war dynamics, with the consolidation of military power and international cooperation becoming focal points.
The lifting of sanctions remains a contentious issue, but both Syrian and Turkish leaders are pushing for international support to rebuild the war-torn nation.
As Syria navigates this critical phase, the integration of various factions into a unified military and the balance of international alliances will shape the country’s future trajectory.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
