German Foreign Minister calls on Turkey to protect Syrian stability and minorities amid rising tensions

ANKARA — In light of ongoing developments in Syria and the growing influence of Turkey over armed factions in the region, German Minister of Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock, speaking from Ankara, urged Turkey to play a constructive role in stabilizing Syria and safeguarding its minorities.

Baerbock emphasized that Syria must not become a battleground for foreign powers or a testing ground for extremist forces. She highlighted that ensuring the safety of the people in North and East Syria is essential for the country’s path toward a free and secure future.

Addressing Turkish threats to occupy Kobani, a city in northern and eastern Syria, Baerbock expressed concern about the disparity in experiences across the country. “While thousands of people are celebrating in the streets of Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the citizens of Kobani are holding their breath once again. This stark contrast underscores how distant peace still is,” she remarked.

Baerbock has previously commended the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for their efforts in resisting the Assad regime. However, her visit to Turkey came amid accusations that Ankara seeks to exploit the current power vacuum in Syria to expand its control over areas governed by the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES).

Es muss darum gehen, die Sicherheit der Nachbarn #Syrien|s zu gewährleisten, ohne die territoriale Integrität Syriens zu verletzen. Dazu gehört, dass die Milizen im Land entwaffnet und in eine zukünftige nationale Sicherheitsstruktur integriert werden. – @ABaerbock 4/5

— Auswärtiges Amt (@AuswaertigesAmt) December 20, 2024

In related news, US Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) stated that he and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) have introduced a bill to impose sanctions on Turkey. Van Hollen warned that Congress must approve this legislation if Turkey refuses to agree to a ceasefire and the establishment of a demilitarized zone in the region.

These remarks reflect the growing international concern over Turkey’s actions in Syria and their implications for regional stability and minority rights.

Attacks by Turkish-backed forces on our Syrian Kurdish partners undermine regional security & efforts to prevent an ISIS resurgence.

Today Sen Graham & I introduced a bill to impose sanctions on Turkey—which we should enact if they do not accept a ceasefire & demilitarized zone.

— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) December 20, 2024