Thank you, Mr. President.

I am also grateful to Special Envoy Pedersen and Under-Secretary-General Griffiths for their briefings.

Through its unanimously adopted Resolution 2254, this Council reiterated years ago that the only sustainable solution to the conflict in Syria is through a political process which should meet the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.

Yet, in its 14th year, the prospects of a lasting political solution remain elusive.

The rise of other large-scale crises should not diminish our attention to Syria, as economic, security and humanitarian aspects of the crisis continue to deteriorate.

The status quo is not sustainable.

A re-energized focus on Syria is needed.

The ground should be prepared to address the root causes of the crisis. This requires, first and foremost, a change of attitude on side of the Syrian regime to initiate genuine national reconciliation.

It is clear that nothing will move to a positive direction in Syria without the revitalization of the political process on the basis of the Security Council Resolution 2254.

As we repeatedly point out, convening the 9th round of the Constitutional Committee as soon as possible and with tangible results is crucial to this end.

Current deadlock and indeed obstructions pose a danger not only to the political track but also to other aspects of the crisis; whereas making progress in the political process would contribute to the solution of problems on other tracks as well, like economy and migration.

Creation of conditions for voluntary, safe and dignified return of Syrians should be part of all efforts to resolve the crisis.

The Syrian regime must assume its primary responsibility in this regard.

Improvement of economic conditions itself is not enough. There is also a governance issue.

Similarly, the international community should actively support efforts for the return of refugees without externalizing the issue, including through supporting the stabilization efforts in northwest Syria.

Mr President,

Unimpeded, sustained and predictable delivery of life-saving aid as well as adequate and sustainable humanitarian funding are critical part of a holistic approach that we need to effectively address the Syrian conflict.

Accordingly, we have the right to expect the continued use of three available border crossings for cross-border aid deliveries to Syria as long as humanitarian needs persist.

The Security Council should continue to remain closely engaged on this matter.

On the other hand, the significant drop in humanitarian funding is deeply concerning, especially at a time when the number of people in need of humanitarian aid has reached a record 16,7 million.

The UN agencies and their humanitarian partners need predictability and sustainability not only in access, but also in funding.

We call on donors to scale up their contributions for the UN Syria Humanitarian Response Plan, which is currently funded only around 8 percentage.

We also reiterate that the United Nation’s “Whole of Syria” approach has formed the backbone of the UN humanitarian response to the Syrian crisis and call for an appropriate appointment, without further delay, to the position of the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis.

Mr. President,

Regarding the water disruption in Allouk water station, the reasons behind the problem are not new and indeed well-known to all UN agencies.

This station operates on electrical power coming from Derbasiyah transformer.

The disruption of electricity supply from Derbasiyah transformer, which is under the control of PKK/YPG/so-called “SDF” terrorist organization, impedes the proper functioning of Allouk station.

In addition to regular cross line maintenance missions to the station in the past, most recently on 21 May 2024, UNICEF, along with ICRC, paid another technical visit to Allouk Water Station.

We believe that providing regular flow of electricity to Allouk station through alternative resources would secure a long-term solution.

On the other hand, the breakdown at Ein Al Beida water station also results in water shortages for almost 200 thousand people in the city of Al Bab.

We hope the restoration work initiated at Ein Al Beida water station will be completed before the start of summer.

Mr. President,

The separatist and disruptive agenda of the terrorist organization namely PKK/YPG/”SDF” as well as its grave violations, repression and attacks against the local population continue unabated in Syria.

Burning local offices by PKK/YGP/”SDF” are clear signs. Also, reactions by local tribes in Deir ez-Zor area are other evidences.

After establishing institutions on the basis of a so-called “Social Covenant” and creating a so-called “court” to monitor its implementation, this terrorist organization is now preparing to hold “local elections” next month.

It is crystal clear that this endeavour is in complete contravention of the territorial integrity and unity of Syria; and supporting this endeavour means acting against Resolution 2254.

We continue to strongly emphasize that PKK/YPG/“SDF” has no place in Syria’s future; and urge all sides to disengage from this terrorist organization, whose only objective is to advance its own separatist agenda.

Mr. President,

The conflict in Syria continues to pose a serious threat to peace and security in the region and well beyond.

Millions of Syrians continue to suffer grave humanitarian repercussions.

This Council has set out the pathway to a lasting solution to this conflict with the Resolution 2254. It is now high time that all sides take necessary steps to implement it.

Türkiye will continue to support international efforts to achieving a lasting settlement.

In conclusion, Mr. President, I appreciate that almost all members of the Council have focused on the meeting of the Constitutional Committee which is an essential element of the political process.

I wish all sides will take it seriously and give up obstructive policies.

I thank you.