WALL – Former deputy of the Syrian People’s Assembly, Sharif al-Shahade, who is known for his closeness to Syrian President Bashar Assad, spoke about diplomatic talks with Turkey. Sharif al-Shahade said that the ground should be prepared before diplomatic talks between Damascus and Ankara can begin. Shahade stated that the first condition for dialogue is Turkey’s exit from Syria.
Dilbixwin Dara of Rudaw TVSpeaking to , the statements of al-Shahade are as follows:
Have there been any political talks between Turkey and the Syrian government independent of the intelligence level?
There was no meeting between the two sides, apart from the meeting held at the “Non-Aligned Meeting” (in Belgrade) between the Syrian Foreign Minister (Faisal Mikdad) and the Turkish Foreign Minister (Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu). I predict that there will be some political talks in the coming period and this will have positive results in many respects.
When will diplomatic talks between Ankara and Damascus begin?
As you know, some preparations must be made for this first. In order not to make fatal mistakes, research and some expansions are needed. Then, a few months will be needed in order to transition into the political process and to lead to the resolution of the problems between the two.
Are there any common conditions determined for the start of diplomatic relations between the parties?
As we all have heard, Turkish authorities constantly emphasize the fight against terrorism. In a recent statement, Erdogan said that there are plans against Syria and Turkey, and the actors of this plan are the USA, the coalition forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces. We also know that there is terrorism in the region. ISIS, Nusra Front and all radical groups are also part of this terror.
Is Syria ready to cooperate with Turkey against the Rojava Autonomous Administration, the SDF and the Kurds? Because Turkey’s aim is to eliminate this entity.
That’s not really the case. SDF, in cooperation with the United States, has captured a part of Syrian territory. Their aim is to establish a small state. If the SDF sees itself as belonging to Syria, the Syrian state will protect and defend them in every way. But if he wants to break up Syria by establishing an autonomous administration, then it will be different. We are ready to protect anyone who sees himself as a Syrian. Be it Kurdish or Christian. But if he gets out of this framework and establishes a partnership with the USA and wants to establish an independent state for himself, we and the Syrian people will fight against them, regardless of Turkey. But if they stand with Syria, we will be Arab, Kurdish, united.
If Turkey launches a new war or military action against the SDF, will Syria support Turkey?
I say it openly and transparently; If the SDF wants to secede from the Syrian government, fight the state and continue to seize the oil wells in cooperation with the US, the Syrian government will not accept it. Whether Turkey is in it or not. The subject is clear. Those who stand with Syria will be protected and defended, but all kinds of struggle will be waged against those who want to divide Syria and break its system.
Is the Syrian government ready to deal with the SDF and the Autonomous Administration? What are the conditions if ready?
Syria is ready for dialogue and negotiation. If the SDF abandons the idea of autonomy, they too are a part of this society, have rights and duties, and will be treated like all other Syrian citizens. But it would be different if they collaborated with the US to divide the country. Our Kurdish brothers may have some demands and the Syrian government can negotiate with them to implement them.
Turkey controls most of the Syrian territory. What is Syria’s attitude towards it?
This is the Turkish invasion. Turkey should leave all Syrian territory as soon as possible. Turkey is not a god descended from the sky, it is an invader. If not, the Syrian people will fight against them. But if it does, then there is a dialogue. Therefore, a way must be opened for dialogue. The first step of this is the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Idlib and all other parts of Syria.