Mr. President,

I also thank Special Envoy Pedersen and OCHA’s Acting Director Talahma for their briefings.

Last week, the conflict in Syria entered its 13th year. Syrian people continue to suffer from the ravages of war and displacement.

Even before the earthquakes, the humanitarian plight of the people was at an unbearable level.

The earthquakes have worsened an already fragile situation, rendering the humanitarian needs even more acute.

Under the current circumstances, the continuation of the UN’s cross border humanitarian assistance is more critical than ever.

As it stands, in addition to Bab al-Hawa, Bab al Salama and Al-Rai crossings are also functional.

As the Secretary-General underlined last week, there is an urgent need to guarantee longer term cross-border access to the north-west Syria.

Mr. President,

As the crisis in Syria continues to perpetuate itself, we cannot afford to remain complacent with the current state of affairs.

The earthquakes and post-disaster emergency needs demonstrated once again the risks of procrastination.

The political process has to be reinvigorated.

The UN Security Council Resolution 2254 actually has the basic guidelines for a viable political solution.

In the meantime, preservation of calm on the ground will be important for the smooth continuation of humanitarian efforts and advancing the political process.

Mr. President,

As we have come to emphasize, creation of suitable conditions for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of refugees has to be an integral part of our overall efforts to find a durable solution to the crisis.

This is indeed a collective responsibility of the international community.

Türkiye remains committed to political unity and territorial integrity of Syria and determined to disrupt the malign and separatist agendas of terrorist organizations, primarily PKK/YPG and DAESH.

Mr. President,

The plight of the Syrian people has to be alleviated.

It takes a multi-dimensional approach and involvement of all main stakeholders.

Türkiye on its part will continue to be part of all international efforts towards this end.

I thank you.