AK Parti Vice Chairman Zafer Sırakaya: “The Syrian Administration Sees the Disarmament of Armed Groups as Non-Negotiable”

AK Parti Vice Chairman Zafer Sırakaya also stated that, “In all our discussions with the Syrian administration, they have expressed their commitment to opposing all forms of terrorist organisations and emphasised that the disarmament of armed groups and the handover of all their weapons to the Syrian National Army is an absolute prerequisite for them.”

Between the 22^nd of January to the 25^th of January, Sırakaya, accompanied by AK Parti Vice Chairman of Foreign Affairs Fevzi Şanverdi, President of the Union of International Democrats Kenan Aslan, and businessman Mustafa Aslan, visited Syria for a series of diplomatic engagements.

Sırakaya explained that the delegation visited Idlib, Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and finally the capital, Damascus, where they held in-depth bilateral meetings. Speaking to the Anadolu Agency (AA) about their discussions, Sırakaya highlighted that they had the opportunity to engage with senior state officials, governors, and key local figures to gain a detailed understanding of the situation in various cities.

He also pointed out that they had discussions with ethnic, religious, and minority groups in Syria, including a meeting in Old Damascus with Patriarchal Vicar Bishop Romanos Hanna and Patriarchal Assistant Bishop Musa.

“A Unified Stance in Discourse”

Sırakaya further stated that their meetings involved discussions with local Syrian citizens, minority communities, and state officials across different levels, remarking:

“Looking back at the 61-year Baath party regime, we observe a period in which oppression has been inflicted on all segments of society, and divisions were systematically created among different groups. Naturally, we understand the concerns expressed by those who have lived through such a climate of fear and uncertainty regarding the future. However, we have also observed a strong sense of unity in discourse among key figures in the transitional government, including Acting President Ahmed Shara, Foreign Minister Hasan Shaybani, and other senior officials, including governors.”

Sırakaya Emphasised the need for a National Conference on Syria’s Future.

During bilateral meetings, Zafer Sırakaya highlighted the necessity of organising a national conference that would include and represent all segments of Syrian society to discuss the country’s future. He stated that such a conference could pave the way for a collective agreement, ultimately facilitating a transparent and inclusive electoral process.

Sırakaya also pointed out that as Syria’s new administration shifts from rhetorical unity to practical unity, the international community’s perception of this new Syria is likely to improve in a positive manner.

“We Witnessed Ghost Towns”

Sırakaya shared observations from his visit to Idlib, revealing that nearly 1.6 million people in and around the city were living in camps made primarily from tents, a stark reminder of the devastation and destruction inflicted upon their homes.

He further noted that Aleppo, Hama, and Homs had suffered immense destruction, stating: “We saw what can only be described as ghost towns. The aerial bombings have left people with no place to live, completely erasing any resemblance of a habitable environment.”

As part of their visit, the delegation also inspected Sednaya Prison, where Sırakaya provided the following insights:

“Upon arriving at Sednaya Prison, we were confronted with the grim reality of a place that can only be described as the lowest depths of inhumanity. We were able to witness the extent of the atrocities committed here, how people were crushed alive in press machines, their bodies later dissolved in acid pits. Since 1981, over 200,000 individuals have been completely erased in these horrific conditions. Even today, families are still desperately seeking answers about the fate of their loved ones, with little hope of ever receiving closure.”

“The Reconstruction of Syria is Essential”

Sırakaya stressed the urgent need to rebuild Syria’s infrastructure, noting that severe deficiencies remain in the restoration of essential services such as electricity and the supply of clean water to households.

He continued:

“We are now entering a phase where the reconstruction of Syria is of utmost importance. During our visit, we encountered a Syrian society that has great expectations regarding Türkiye’s contributions to their nations reconstruction process. The deep respect and affection towards our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the Turkish people were clear.

This was especially apparent during the Friday prayer at the Umayyad Mosque, as well as at morning prayers the following day, when we prayed alongside our Syrian brothers and sisters. Every mention of our President’s name was met with an expression of love and gratitude.”

Integrating Syria into the International Community

Sırakaya highlighted that the current international sanctions imposed on Syria could be eased through greater engagement by Türkiye and the international community.

“I believe that as Syria reintegrates into the international community, its economic challenges will gradually be replaced by growing prosperity. In this regard, I strongly believe that Turkish businesses will play a significant role in the reconstruction of Syria and the revitalisation of its industrial sector.”

Addressing claims that the new Syrian administration would impose high tariffs on Turkish-origin products, Sırakaya clarified:

“As of the 11^th of January, the Syrian administration has not only restructured customs regulations at a single border crossing but has implemented a unified customs framework applicable to all international trade routes. Additionally, on the 23^rd of January, during the visit of our Deputy Minister of Trade, Mr. Mustafa Tuzcu, discussions were held with his Syrian counterparts, including Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Duhan. As a result of these negotiations, Türkiye was granted exemptions from specific tariffs, with a total of 269 Turkish products excluded from the new customs tariffs.

Furthermore, discussions extended beyond trade and included plans to revive the Free Trade Agreement, which had been suspended in 2011 due to international sanctions. The agreement is now being reconsidered in a broader and more comprehensive framework, with the aim of reinstating and expanding its scope.”

Syria’s Natural Resources

Sırakaya pointed out that a significant portion of Syria’s oil reserves is in areas controlled by YPG/PKK/SDG terrorist organisations.

He emphasised that all of Syria’s underground and natural resources belong to the Syrian people. According to Sırakaya, the new Syrian administration has made it clear that the country’s wealth, belonging to a population of 25 million, cannot be monopolised by any single faction.

Providing insights from their discussions with Syrian officials, Sırakaya stated:

“In all our meetings with the Syrian administration, they reaffirmed their stance against all forms of terrorist organisations.

They stressed that the disarmament of all armed groups and the transfer of their weapons to the Syrian National Army is a non-negotiable condition for them.

Moreover, they categorically stated that they would not tolerate the continued presence of PKK, YPG, PYD, SDG, or Daesh within Syrian territory and that their complete removal and elimination from Syria remains an absolute priority.”

Sırakaya also stated that the new Syrian administration had conveyed its commitment to respecting the presence of all segments of society and ensuring their inclusion in governance. He added that this stance aligns with Türkiye’s perspective on the matter.