Syrian Democratic Council (MSD) Co-Chair Riyadh Derar spoke to ANF about the Turkey-Syria-Russia trilateral meeting.

There were talks between Turkey and Damascus with the mediation of Russia. As the Syrian Democratic Council, how do you interpret these talks?

Before the meeting between the defence ministers of Ankara and Damascus in Moscow, several meetings were held between the intelligence heads of both countries. The talks were held as a result of Erdogan's statements about reconciliation with the Damascus government. The meeting between the defence ministers also marked the beginning of alliances based on threats from both sides.

After the meeting, demonstrations were seen in occupied regions such as Idlib and Bab. These demonstrations can have an impact on meetings that have been and will be held. Media outlets reported that the return of migrants and the fight against "terrorism" were discussed. Each of these countries interprets the meaning of "terror" in their own way. The Damascus government states that Turkey wants to encircle the North and East Syria Region based on "terrorism" allegations.

Russia seems to bring the two countries together. How should Russia's position be interpreted?

Russia is going through a difficult period. Russia is aiming to bring Turkey to its side in the Ukraine war. The Turkish state wants to seize North and East Syria, claiming that the country's border is under the threat of "terrorism". When the green light was not given to Turkey to seize North and East Syria, it turned to the Damascus government and wanted to fill the gaps through the Adana Agreement. In any case, a reconciliation with Turkey will allow the Turkish regime to settle down in these regions through pro-Turkish mercenary groups. This will be a step forward for the future of the Turkish state just like in the case of Iskenderun.

Negotiations were always on the agenda last year. Why did it emerge and what is the purpose?

Negotiations between Turkey and Syria were always on the agenda. There will also be a meeting between the presidents. According to their plans, high level meetings should be completed before the Turkish elections. However, the Damascus government does not benefit from these talks, it holds these talks due to the pressures from Russia. Russia is trying to achieve success against Ukraine through Turkey, and Turkey is opening its borders to Russia. They even have some alliances to transfer weapons to the Ukrainian side.

To what extent will the ongoing talks affect North and East Syria?

The outcome of these talks will not be good for North and East Syria. Because the number of parties that seek to eliminate this region will increase and it will put pressure on the presence of the USA in the region. If we evaluate the events that have emerged, North and East Syria are facing a danger.

Do they want to hand over North and East Syria to the Damascus government through these talks? Have you received any information? What is your opinion?

Sending back the migrants, silencing the pro-Turkish mercenaries, and withdrawing support to the Syrian opposition would be to the Damascus government’s benefit. North and East Syria will always be open to reconciliation and dialogue in order to prevent conflict and find a solution to the crisis in Syria. However, this does not mean that the Damascus government will control these areas. This is not possible because of the many changes that have taken place in the region.

After the talks, demonstrations were held in areas under the Turkish occupation, such as Idlib and Bab. Will the Turkish state continue its reconciliation efforts, or will it introduce new initiatives?

The protests may have an impact on Turkey’s other talks and may delay some meetings until these protests subside. It is reported that some talks are currently postponed.

What is your relationship with the Damascus government? Can you be more specific on the subject?

From the very beginning, the Syrian Democratic Council has favoured the third line, which states that the Damascus government cannot be dealt with armed struggle and that the solution will be through dialogue. The Damascus government urged the Syrian opposition to join them in this way so that a consensus could be reached relying on the current constitution and the Geneva talks, but due to the stubbornness of the two sides, nothing was achieved.

North and East Syria established its own system in the fight against ISIS and received support from international forces and liberated the regions under ISIS rule. It formed a decentralized system in which every minority is included.

What is your call to the Damascus government?

The Damascus government should understand that it is not to its benefit to establish a dialogue with neighbouring countries to maintain its power and to defeat its people. The Damascus government should understand that these people have rights and it must change its policies in order to establish a new country with its people.