Thank you, Mr. President.

This week marks the 8th anniversary of the adoption of the Security Council Resolution 2254.

The resolution reflects the contours of a consensual road map for the achievement of a lasting solution to the Syrian conflict.

It remains most reliable framework for a sustainable way out of the Syrian crisis, which is through an inclusive, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.

It mandates the UN to convene representatives of the Syrian regime and the opposition to engage in formal negotiations on a political transition process.

And most importantly, it stresses the undeniable fact that it is the Syrian people who will decide the future of their country. All Syrians, including the opposition, diaspora and refugees.

8 years after its adoption in this Chamber, the vision, goals and roadmap set forth in Resolution 2254 continue to constitute the international consensus for the resolution of the Syrian conflict.

That being said, Syria has fallen off many radars recently.

Current fluidity of the situation in the country and the wider region should not hold us back from addressing the root causes of the problem.

Syria is not a post-conflict country.

It cannot be without guaranteeing its territorial integrity and political unity.

Nor can it be without a reinvigorated political process in line with Resolution 2254.

Or without putting an end to the separatist agenda of terrorist organizations and creating conditions for voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Syrian refugees.

Our overall efforts towards the settlement of the conflict must be aimed at genuine national reconciliation.

However, this is not possible by playing against time with half-hearted efforts that do not contribute to these objectives.

It is imperative to overcome the current inertia in the political track and to convene the 9th round of the Constitutional Committee without further delay.

The status quo in Syria has become unsustainable not only politically, but also in terms of its humanitarian and security dimensions.

In the 13th year of the conflict, living conditions of the Syrian people are getting harder every day.

It is becoming more difficult to access basic needs; economic crisis is worsening, deprivation is an everyday reality for millions.

In the face of exacerbating domestic problems as well as risks of regional conflagration of the conflict in Gaza, the preservation of calm in Syria is of critical importance.

That is why we call on all relevant parties, both in the region and beyond, to deescalate tensions.

Mr. President,

Regrettably today we heard once again a reference by the UN Special Envoy to “SDF”, an offshoot of PKK/YPG terrorist organization, as if it were a legitimate actor.

Türkiye’s counter-terrorism operations in the country are in exercise of its inherent right of self-defense in response to acts of terrorism of this organization.

PKK/YPG terror organization continues its attempts to advance its separatist agenda in Syria.

These attempts include oppressing local populations, forcibly recruiting children, military use and exploitation of civilian infrastructure.

I would like to underline once again that empowering this terrorist organization serves no other purpose than sowing seeds of further instability in Syria and beyond.

We will certainly do not allow this criminal entity to realize its insidious designs.

Mr. President,

As regards the humanitarian situation, we observe that serious shortcomings have emerged in the last months.

We would like to emphasize the importance of uninterrupted delivery of the cross-border humanitarian assistance, which helps 4,1 million people to hold on to life in northwest Syria.

In this connection, we once again underline the significance of the UN Monitoring Mechanism, which guarantees the transparency of the aid deliveries.

Planned budget cuts on humanitarian assistance towards Syria are also a serious source of concern.

Under these circumstances, all stakeholders and donors have important responsibilities to help eliminate the risks facing the UN humanitarian response in Syria.

We expect the continued use of Bab al Hawa, Bab al Salam and Al-Rai border crossings for UN aid deliveries.

The continued engagement of the UN Security Council is essential in this regard.

Türkiye will continue to support the people of Syria and all initiatives towards a sustainable solution to the Syrian conflict.

I thank you.