Turkey’s Erdogan rejects Kurdish call for Syria decentralization

ANKARA,— Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has firmly rejected calls from Syrian Kurdish political groups for a decentralized form of governance in Syria, describing the proposal as unrealistic and destabilizing.

Speaking to reporters aboard his return flight from a visit to Rome, Erdogan stated that the idea of federalism in Syria “has no basis in reality,” according to a transcript released by his office Wednesday. He warned Syrian Kurdish groups not to pursue goals that might threaten regional stability.

“The notion of a federal structure is nothing but an illusion. Such a system has no place in Syria’s future,” Erdogan said. “I call on them to abandon these dreams and instead act in a way that promotes peace in the region.”

His remarks came after several Syrian Kurdish factions, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the de facto army of the autonomous Kurdish-led administration, held a conference over the weekend in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava) to develop a unified political roadmap.

The gathering concluded with a joint endorsement of a decentralized governance model. However, the proposal was rejected by Syria’s ruling Islamist authorities.

Turkey, which borders Syria to the north, has long opposed any moves toward Kurdish autonomy. Analysts say Ankara fears that an autonomous Kurdish region across the border could energize separatist sentiments among Turkey’s own Kurdish population.

The United States supports the SDF, but Turkey classifies it as a terrorist entity due to its ties to the YPG militia, which leads the group.

In March, the SDF signed a political accord with the Syrian government aimed at integrating Kurdish-led institutions and forces into Syria’s central system.

While Turkey welcomed this development, Erdogan insisted the process must lead to the disbandment of Kurdish military elements, particularly the YPG.

Erdogan also condemned recent Israeli airstrikes inside Syria, calling them deliberate attempts to undermine post-Assad stability. “These attacks are provocative and unacceptable,” he said.

On U.S.-Turkey relations, Erdogan said he looks forward to a face-to-face meeting with President Donald Trump, expressing optimism about finding common ground on regional issues. “We have had open, productive communication so far. Where our views differ, we will keep seeking compromise,” Erdogan noted.

The Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria, established in 2018, recognized globally for its grassroots governance model, operates under a secular and decentralized system. It places a strong emphasis on gender equality, participatory democracy, and environmental stewardship, setting it apart from other regional administrations.

(With files from Reuters | Agencies)