Mr. President,

I would like to thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Under Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator Lowcock for their briefings.

As we are approximately one month away from the renewal of the UN cross-border mechanism, it is important to acknowledge once again the vital role of these operations that deliver life-saving assistance to millions of Syrians.

Northwest Syria is devastated by bloodshed and suffering. IDPs continue to account for more than half of the population. Displacement is still a daily reality due to violence, fear of escalation of the conflict, and reduced access to shelter and humanitarian assistance.

Forced displacement of Syrians by the regime is yet another concerning development. The regime is trying to send civilians living in the south to the northern parts of the country, without coordinating with the legitimate opposition. These attempts aim to create faits-accomplis on the ground.

Food insecurity remains at alarming levels. The severity of the situation is further revealed during Ramadan.

As the conflict continues, we are also witnessing a rise in chronic diseases which result from long-term lack of access to healthcare and difficult living circumstances. Constant attacks by the regime have rendered hospitals unable to cope with the existing health challenges. According to the current COVID-19 vaccination programme, only 7.5% of the population in the northwest will get vaccinated by next year. UN cross-border operations are vital not only for the transfer of COVID-19 vaccines, but also for critical medical equipment.

Mr. President,

There is a growing sense of despair and hopelessness among the population, resulting in increased needs for mental healthcare and psychosocial support.

The suicide rate has consistently increased since the second half of 2020 to the current point where there are 7 suicide attempts every 48 hours. Most of these cases are among young people, who are overwhelmed by the challenges they face and have given up any hope for the future.

The Security Council must provide these innocent people with long-term support and certainty. Renewing the cross-border resolution for another 12 months, including re-opening of additional crossing points would be an important step in that direction.

Mr. President,

To set the record straight, I would like to share the following information regarding the water level of the Euphrates River.

As part of the adverse impact of climate change on our water resources, since July 2020, all parts of Türkiye received below average rainfall nearly every month. In this context, overall precipitation decreased by almost 23% compared to last year. In April 2021, the natural flow of Euphrates River has reduced 54% compared to the average natural flow levels of the same month. In May, it witnessed 72% reduction.

Despite this alarming hydrological and climatic reality, the average amount of water released by Türkiye from Euphrates to downstream in the first half of the year has been over 500 cubic meters per second.

As in the past, Türkiye will continue to take all necessary precautionary measures. At the same time, downstream countries are equally responsible for the utilization of the transboundary waters in an efficient and sustainable manner and operating their downstream dams in a way to secure water even for dry periods.

Regarding the situation at the Alouk water station, as USG Lowcock has underlined, water supply remains limited due to the continued power cuts. Electrical supply to Ras al-Ain and Tel Abyad from the Tishrin Dam through Mabrouka and Derbesiyeh electricity stations, which is the only source of electrical power to the region, continues to be deliberately interrupted by the terrorist organization PKK/YPG on a regular basis.

Mr. President,

Turning to the political track, we continue to support efforts towards finding a solution to the Syrian conflict in line with Security Council Resolution 2254. However, the political process is not advancing in a satisfactory manner.

The regime continues its attempts to stonewall progress in the Constitutional Committee. It is even questioning and trying to recede from decisions previously reached on issues such as working methods. We attach importance to the reconvening of the Committee as soon as possible. However, this has to be done in adherence to the Committee’s rules of procedure. And the next round should be results oriented. We support Special Envoy Pedersen’s efforts towards that end.

The international community must be vigilant about the so-called presidential elections in Syria. We cannot allow this sham election to become yet another excuse for the regime’s intransigence.

For over a decade now, the regime has resorted to all kinds of tactics to avoid negotiating a genuine political solution. This Council should not tolerate another decade of war in Syria.

These so-called presidential elections are a theatrical farce that does not meet any of the criteria outlined in the roadmap of Resolution 2254.

These sham elections are not being organized pursuant to a new constitution. They are not administered under the supervision of the United Nations, in observance of the fundamental principles of good governance and the highest international standards of transparency and accountability.

They are far from free or fair. Not only does this election not contribute to the efforts for a political solution, it also undermines them.

We support calls for accelerating the political solution in a comprehensive manner that encompasses all aspects of Resolution 2254. We welcome the Special Envoy’s proposals in that regard. It would be useful for countries that can contribute to the solution of the conflict to get together and discuss all dimensions of the issue and exchange views on the way forward.

For our joint efforts to yield meaningful results, calm on the ground must be preserved. The regime continues to violate the ceasefire. We cannot allow the regime to scale up its violations with the ultimate aim of ensuring the ceasefire’s collapse.

On the other hand, PKK/YPG continues to target civilians and our borders. Tel Rifat and Manbij remain launching pads for this separatist terrorist organization that also threatens Syria’s territorial integrity. We will not tolerate attempts to accord legitimacy to this terrorist entity or to incorporate them in the political process.

Mr. President,

I would like to conclude by re-emphasizing the vital importance of the continuation of the UN cross-border operations.

As we speak, around 5 million Syrian people squeezed in northwest Syria are looking at us, hoping that this Council will care about their pain and suffering. They desperately need the cross-border mechanism.

The international community cannot afford to disrupt one of the most sophisticated, scrutinized and transparent humanitarian assistance systems in place. The whole world is watching the Security Council. It is time to stay united and act together.

Mr. President,

The previous speaker has repeated again his usual delusional allegations and shameless lies and does not deserve my response.

The answer to the criminal regime he represents will be given by the Syrian people, when they save and rebuild Syria.

Thank you.