Peregraf - Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry has sharply criticized resolutions adopted by the European Parliament, rejecting what it described as "baseless allegations" related to the situation of Kurds in northeast Syria and domestic issues inside Türkiye.
In a statement issued after the vote on February 12, Ankara specifically objected to the European Parliament’s resolution on the "Situation in Northeast Syria," arguing that it ignored Türkiye’s role in stabilization efforts and misrepresented realities on the ground. The ministry said the resolutions reflected a misguided approach that failed to take into account the perspectives of Syria and its people.
The European Parliament, however, strongly condemned ongoing violence in northeast Syria, warning that serious abuses targeting civilians—particularly the Kurdish population—may amount to war crimes under international law. MEPs cited reports from the United Nations and international NGOs documenting extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, forced displacement, and attacks on civilian infrastructure.
According to the resolution, Kurds have been disproportionately affected by the violence, with reported incidents including desecration of bodies, vandalism of burial sites, and the use of unguided munitions in civilian areas. Parliament stressed that protecting Syria’s ethnic and religious diversity requires full recognition of Kurdish civil, cultural, and educational rights.
MEPs underlined that lasting stability in northeast Syria depends on guaranteeing equal rights and meaningful political participation for Kurds, calling on Syria’s transitional authorities to enshrine these rights in a future constitution while respecting the country’s territorial integrity.
The resolution welcomed the recent agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian transitional government, reaffirming support for the ceasefire and urging all parties to uphold it. It also called on regional actors, including Türkiye, to refrain from military actions or backing armed groups that could undermine the truce.
Highlighting the role of Kurdish forces in defeating Daesh, including the prominent participation of women fighters, MEPs warned that any deterioration in security could enable a resurgence of the extremist group. They cautioned that shifting responsibility for Daesh detainees to Iraq could create new risks.
The European Parliament also urged the European Union to increase humanitarian assistance to northeast Syria, particularly for displaced Kurdish communities affected by violence, and expressed regret over the United States decision to withdraw troops from Syria and Iraq.
The resolution was adopted by 363 votes in favor, 71 against, and 81 abstentions, reflecting strong parliamentary backing for the protection of Kurds and other vulnerable groups in northeast Syria—an approach Türkiye says risks harming relations between Ankara and the EU.