Syria conditions normalization with Turkey on withdrawal of Turkish forces

On Saturday, Syria set forth conditions for normalizing relations with Turkey, insisting on the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syrian territory. 

This response came after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended a hand of reconciliation the previous Sunday, following a break in relations since 2011. The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated this stance in reaction to Erdogan's recent statements.

President Erdogan announced on Saturday the imminent end of the Turkish military operation against PKK Kurdish separatists in northern Iraq and Syria.

Syria emphasized that any normalization of bilateral relations, severed since the start of the Syrian civil war, "must be based on clear principles," foremost among them being "the withdrawal of forces illegally present on Syrian territory and the fight against terrorist groups that threaten the security of both Syria and Turkey."

Erdogan had previously stated that he could invite Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to Turkey "at any time," noting that foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, an ally of Damascus, had suggested such a meeting.

Since 2016, Turkey has launched three offensives in Syria against Kurdish forces, resulting in control over a border strip.

The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that Syria "remains firmly convinced that the interests of countries lie in healthy bilateral relations." Based on this principle, Syria expressed its willingness to engage positively with various initiatives aimed at improving relations.

According to several analysts, Moscow is encouraging rapprochement between the neighboring countries, both of which view Kurdish fighters as a common enemy.

Erdogan affirmed, "We have reached a point where, if Bashar al-Assad takes steps towards better relations with Turkey, we will reciprocate with the same approach."

Initially, Turkey aimed to overthrow Bashar al-Assad's regime when the Syrian conflict erupted with the violent repression of peaceful protesters. 

After supporting various insurgent groups, Ankara shifted focus to preventing the establishment of a "terror corridor"—Erdogan's term—in northern Syria, where Kurds had set up an autonomous administration, opposed by both Ankara and Damascus.

In August 2022, Ankara for the first time expressed a desire to reconcile the opposition and the regime in Syria, sparking anger among Syrian opponents and rebels.

As the situation develops, the potential for normalization between Syria and Turkey hinges on the withdrawal of Turkish forces and addressing the presence of Kurdish groups deemed as threats. The international community watches closely as these two nations navigate a complex path towards renewed diplomatic relations.