Turkish FM urges US to cut ties with PKK, calls it "threat to Türkiye"

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan shared his perspectives on regional and global developments in an interview with Al Jazeera, addressing Türkiye’s expectations from the United States and key security concerns.

Speaking on Washington’s policy in Syria, Fidan stated, “America needs to review the parameters of its relations, especially in the fight against ISIS in Syria, and get rid of its commitment to support the PKK, which poses a threat to Türkiye.” He emphasized that continued US support for the PKK and its affiliates contradicts Türkiye’s security interests and called for a reassessment of these policies.

In the second part of the interview, the first segment of which was published on February 27, Fidan highlighted that the PKK/YPG has been unable to reach an agreement with Syria’s new administration because it seeks to establish its own autonomous rule rather than integrate into the state. Expressing hope for a peaceful resolution, he stressed that “Türkiye recommends everyone to equally enjoy constitutional citizenship, as this will contribute to peace in society.”

The foreign minister underscored that an essential pillar of lasting peace in Syria is that no entity outside legitimate state institutions should possess weapons. “The PKK and its affiliates have seized a third of Syria’s territory, the vast majority of which are Arab towns and villages. They have also taken possession of oil and natural gas fields. It sells them to the Syrian people and sends money to the PKK in Iraq, Iran, and Türkiye. About 2,000 people from Türkiye, Iraq, and Iran hold positions in the SDF leadership,” Fidan explained.

He also noted that the reason the United States and European countries continue to support the PKK/YPG is linked to their reliance on the group for prisoner management services. “In fact, the PKK/YPG have occupied one-third of Syrian territory in exchange for keeping ISIL prisoners in jails,” Fidan stated. He further pointed out that militants from Iraq, Türkiye, and Iran are actively operating on Syrian soil, exacerbating regional instability.

“The threat to the territorial integrity of Syria and Iraq is a threat to Türkiye. Now, of course, that has to be eliminated. I hope and I want to believe that it will be eliminated in peace,” the minister asserted.

Discussing Türkiye’s relations with the Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government (KRG), Fidan emphasized the strong ties between Türkiye and KRG President Nechirvan Barzani, stating that their friendship is “extremely advanced.” He highlighted that Türkiye has demonstrated significant solidarity with Kurdish communities in the fight against the PKK and terrorism.

“Unfortunately, Kurdish civilians are also subjected to attacks, crimes, and offences by the PKK. We show solidarity in the face of this. They are also suffering from the PKK’s persecution in Syria. Therefore, they also propose and endeavour for the PKK to dissolve itself and lay down its arms,” Fidan said, reinforcing Türkiye’s stance against terrorism and its support for Kurdish civilians affected by PKK activities.

By Tamilla Hasanova