ANKARA (Sputnik) — Dogu Perincek praised the process of reconciliation between Turkey and Russia, adding that his party contributed to the normalization of bilateral ties.
"The key issue for all of us is to preserve [Syria's] territorial integrity. The United States want to establish "Kurdish Corridor" in the northern Syria… But if Kurdistan is created, the second Israel will emerge in the region, which is very dangerous. That is why we [Russia and Turkey] share the same interests," he told RIA Novosti.
Kurds are Syria’s largest ethnic minority. The Kurdish population also lives in Turkey, Iran, and Iraq. Syrian Kurds say they want to be part of Syria and do not strive for independence, yet have previously called for more autonomy. In March, they declared a federal region in northern Syria. The Syrian government responded by saying that the Kurds’ unilateral decision had no legal power.
Russia has repeatedly stated that Syria's territorial integrity was a critically important issue for the majority of states taking part in the process to settle the Syrian crisis.
