Astana Talks: Syria Reiterates Call for Turkish Troop Withdrawal for Normalization of Ties

Representatives from Syria, Iran, Russia and Turkey gathered in Kazakhstan's capital for the four-way meeting, aimed at addressing the restoration of ties between Damascus and Ankara. 

Ayman Sousan, Assistant Foreign and Expatriates Minister and head of the Syrian delegation, conveyed the Damascus government's long-standing position, making the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syrian land a prerequisite for reconciliation with Turkey, as reported by Syria's state-run SANA News Agency.

Sousan emphasized that any meaningful progress in the Astana process must be based on Turkey's commitment to fully withdraw its troops from Syrian territories according to a specific schedule and concrete steps.

"This forms the cornerstone for any discussion on other issues related to the return of refugees, combating terrorism, and bilateral relations," Sousan added.

He also highlighted that Turkey's statements regarding Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity contradict its ongoing occupation of Syrian territories, violating international law and the fundamental principles of inter-state relations.

Throughout the years of conflict, Turkey played a prominent role in supporting militant factions against the Syrian government and conducted multiple military operations in Syria, resulting in territorial gains.

However, Turkey has shown no urgency in withdrawing its troops from Syrian territory. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan rejected the idea of withdrawal from northern Syria in a May interview with CNN, implicitly disregarding Damascus' demands.

Syrian newspaper Al-Watan, citing its sources at the Astana talks in Kazakhstan, reported that Moscow aims to foster closer ties with Ankara and Damascus. Consequently, a timeline will be established to ensure the withdrawal of Turkish military forces from northern Syria.

Syria considers the presence of Turkish forces as occupation and calls for an end to Ankara's support for armed militants opposing Damascus. These conditions are crucial for making progress in the negotiations, as stipulated by Damascus.

Turkish media reports indicate that Ankara also intends to prevent further influx of Syrian refugees into Turkey and distance itself from YPG forces along the southern borders.

Deputy foreign ministers from Russia, Turkey, Iran, and Syria, along with a representative of the United Nations, are participating in this meeting.

Normalization of relations between Turkey and Syria is a central focus of the talks, according to Russian officials' announcement.