"Turkey argues that these policies are actually to guarantee its own security. However, everyone knows that the liberated areas of Northern Syria have been known for their security since the first day of the Syrian crisis."
Modern History and specialist in the Middle East, Iran and Turkey, Fereh Sabır spoke at the International Forum on Demographic Change and Ethnic Cleansing in Afrin.
Professor Sabır underlined how the Turkish policies implemented in the region have created a serious situation.
President Erdoğan, said Sabır, should respect the international standards and the rights of neighboring countries.
In Afrin, she said, people from other regions and countries have been brought in order to change the demographic composition of the city and area.
Professor Sabır added: “I would like to point out that what is happening in Afrin is a genocide of language and culture. Turkey is claiming to be implementing moderate policies and creating new developments in the region but the reality on the ground proves the contrary. It is seen clearly that Turkey is carrying out tough policies in the region."
Turkey's aim is to occupy the region, said Sabır, adding: “Turkey's aim is clear. Turkey argues that these policies are actually to guarantee its own security. However, everyone knows that the liberated areas of Northern Syria have been known for their security since the first day of the Syrian crisis. Turkey's intervention has caused a deterioration of trust and a conflict in the region. In addition, Turkey wants to remove the SDF forces from the east of the Euphrates. It wants to intervene in the eastern regions of the Euphrates. Turkey wants to have a say in the future of Syria, therefore, it is trying to impose its own politics on the region. Turkey is implementing a Turkification policy.”
As to Russia-Turkey relations Sabır said: "This relationship is built on interests. Russia wants to preserve the legitimacy of the Syrian regime. The occupation of Afrin is a result of a bargaining between Russia and Turkey. Russia, in order to secure the regime’s influence and dominion in Idlib, has allowed Turkey to occupy Afrin.”
Talking about Turkey’s attempt to forge a political and military alliance with the United States, Sabır said that Turkey wants to prevent the people in Northern Syria from participating in the solution of the Syrian crisis.
Professor Sabır ended her speech by saying that Iran has given Turkey service in order to stay in Syria and protect the regime forces. Tehran knows that developments in the region will ultimately have an impact on its relations with Turkey.
