{"id":115608,"date":"2024-07-26T09:54:25","date_gmt":"2024-07-26T09:54:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/npasyria.com\/en\/?p=115608"},"modified":"2024-07-26T09:54:27","modified_gmt":"2024-07-26T09:54:27","slug":"students-in-damascus-voice-thoughts-on-potential-syria-turkey-rekindling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/npasyria.com\/en\/115608\/","title":{"rendered":"Students in Damascus voice thoughts on potential Syria-Turkey rekindling"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Safaa Suleiman<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) \u2013 <\/strong>Talks about normalization of relations between Syria and Turkey have raised significant concerns among residents of Damascus. After years of severed ties, marked by Turkey’s backing of armed opposition groups and its occupation of Syrian territory, many locals are apprehensive about the implications of this diplomatic shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Syrian government reestablished diplomatic ties with a few Arab countries that had been cut off during the war. Tensions between Syria and Turkey, however, continue as Turkey still supports some factions that oppose al-Assad in northwestern Syria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On July 15, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that Turkey has not given us any guarantees, as \u201cwe are moving positively on clear principals which are international law and national sovereignty.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students at the Damascus University expressed their opinions regarding the potential normalization of relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One student by the name of Ahmad emphasizes to North Press that any discussions about such normalization should first address the rights of refugees in Turkey. He believes that ensuring these rights is essential before moving forward with diplomatic relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He adds that if Turkey is really keen on the normalization, they must withdraw its forces and leave Syrian soil first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, Maram, 23, another student at the University, says that the she welcomes any rapprochement that preserves the dignity of the Syrian people who have endured a major crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She adds that Turkey bears malicious intentions behind its normalization efforts. If it is really keen on normalization, “They would have to withdraw their forces from Syria first and stop supporting terrorism. Then it can normalize ties with us.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ibrahim, a student at Damascus University, advocates for stringent conditions regarding any potential rapprochement with Turkey. He emphasizes the need for the Syrian government to exercise caution and to establish firm stipulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He emphasizes that the Syrian people cannot forget how Turkey deprives the residents of Hasakah Governorate in northeastern Syria of water, nor can they overlook the numerous heinous acts it committed during the Syrian crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, Abdulshakur, another student, contends that reconciliation is achievable, contingent upon Turkey extending an apology and providing compensation for the harms it has inflicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, Jafar Mashhadya, a member of the Damascus-based Youth Party for Development and Change, asserts that rebuilding relations requires the withdrawal of Turkish forces from northern Syria. He also emphasizes the need for an economic strategy that safeguards the rights of the Syrian people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mashhadya emphasizes that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s efforts to restore relations with Syria are closely tied to his ambition to undermine the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He firmly asserts that it is unacceptable to sacrifice the Syrian Kurds in the interest of Turkey’s geopolitical goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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