Syria's future must be shaped by its people through democracy: Turkish parliament speaker

By Fatma Zehra Solmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus said Monday that Syria’s future must be shaped by its people through an inclusive democratic process, stressing that all terrorist organizations, including the YPG and ISIS (Daesh), must leave the country for a lasting peace to be achieved.

Kurtulmus made the remarks during a joint press conference on Monday after holding inter-delegation talks at the Turkish parliament with his Spanish counterpart Francina Armengol Socias, who is in Ankara for an official visit.

"After 60 years of dictatorship and 13 years of civil war, no one should attempt to poison Syria through terrorist groups,” he said, and added that the constitution-drafting process is vital for Syria’s future and that all armed and illegitimate groups must leave Syrian territory.

Kurtulmus emphasized that all Syrians -- Arabs, Kurds, Turkmens, Sunnis, Yazidis, Alawites, and non-Muslims -- must live together peacefully under a single flag.

Addressing questions on the National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Committee formed under the goal of a “terror-free Türkiye,” Kurtulmus said the committee has held 20 meetings since Aug. 5, 2025, and entered the reporting phase, with a final report to be submitted to parliament with concrete legislative proposals.

- Türkiye welcomes new phase in Gaza, but approaches it 'with caution and prudence'

Kurtulmus also commented on the situation in Gaza, saying: “We welcome the start of a new phase in Gaza with hope, but also approach it with caution and prudence," and criticized Israel for violating the ceasefire in Gaza and continuing the genocide.

“It is clear that a government responsible for such grave crimes against humanity will not easily allow humanitarian aid or abandon its policies,” he added, emphasizing the need for strong international pressure to end the Israeli government’s genocidal actions.

He also stressed the need for sustained international pressure, urging the swift opening of the Rafah border crossing for the delivery of aid, and noting that global developments must not overshadow the plight of the people of Gaza.

Kurtulmus praised Spain for recognising the state of Palestine and supporting a two-state solution.

He further highlighted the strong bilateral ties between Türkiye and Spain, and noted cooperation in trade, defense, energy, tourism, education, and culture, stressing that Turkish Airlines flights further strengthen the connection. He emphasised the shared historical legacy of Andalusia as a factor bringing the two peoples closer.

Speaking on her part, Armengol Socias said Spain and Türkiye, as NATO members, are committed to regional stability and will continue working together.

She expressed hope that Türkiye will join the EU and said the visit reflects their shared willingness to cooperate.

Armengol highlighted the common international strategies and values, including support for peace, international law, respect for sovereignty, and human rights. She added that both countries back peace in Palestine, hope the ongoing atrocities will end, and reaffirmed support for the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The relationship between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is very strong, in this regard, Armengol noted.