Mr. President,

Thank you for giving me the floor.

Last year on 8th of December, Syria started to navigate a historic transformation.

After 14 years of suffering, the Syrian people now have a chance for enduring peace and stability.

During the last almost 8 months, the new Syrian government has faced numerous challenges in its quest to make Syria stand on its own feet again.

Those challenges have been thwarted as a result of the unity displayed by the Syrian people, the determination of neighbouring countries and the supportive stance of the US, the EU, the Arab League, the OIC, the UN agencies and other important stakeholders.

Syria has achieved remarkable progress since the revolution.

Notwithstanding the necessity to commence an international early recovery mobilization, the return of Syrians to their homeland continue at a good pace.

The Syrian leadership has shown its commitment to an inclusive political transition and national reconciliation under the new Syrian ownership.

It has taken concrete measures to bring together all components of Syrian society on the basis of equal citizenship.

The Syrian government remains committed to ensure transitional justice through established national mechanisms.

The satisfactory level of cooperation initiated with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is also noteworthy.

The Syrian government continues its crackdown against arms and drug traffickers.

It also remains ready to continue addressing the concerns of its neighbours and regional actors.

All in all, significant progress has been made. And yes, there is still considerable distance to cover.

From the start, Türkiye has supported Syria’s efforts for peace, recovery and reconstruction. Many countries have taken a similar approach. We observe growing international alignment in this direction. This should certainly be maintained.

Türkiye has consistently advocated for the lifting of sanctions on Syria. We welcome the progress achieved so far to this end. The positive impact of this is already visible on the ground.

It is important to keep the momentum for the lifting of sanctions and the continued engagement with the Syrian government for enhanced security and economic development in Syria.

Mr. President,

This promising outlook did not bode well with Israel which apparently has been active in countering these efforts.

The episode in Suweida took a dangerous turn due to unprovoked Israeli attacks against the Syrian government and its authority.

Israel’s disregard for law, order and state sovereignty reached a new height with its recent attacks on the Presidential complex and the Ministry of Defence.

The situation has partially improved as a result of our collective efforts with the US and some other countries.

From now on, it is important to ensure;

a) continued de-escalation and Israeli non-aggression,
b) support to the Syrian government’s efforts to restore calm in Suweida and to prevent civilian casualties,
c) solidarity with the Syrian government to hold accountable those triggering violence in Suweida,
d) humanitarian assistance for those in need,

As the Syrian government undergoes a very delicate and difficult process, sustained support for Damascus and denying room to malign and opportunist actors is ever more important.

Some elements within Syria might be inclined to draw wrong lessons from the episode in Suweida. “SDF” is certainly one of them.

No one should be encouraged to abuse certain hick ups to drag the country towards disunity and disintegration.

Mr. President,

Türkiye firmly believes that the unity of the Syrian people will overcome all challenges, as a precious, once-in-a-generation opportunity is in their hands to bring about a peaceful, stable and prosperous country to their benefit and to the benefit of the region.

We should stand firmly in solidarity with the government and people of Syria to ensure that the old Syria whose name had become synonymous with a failed narco-state, exporting instability, terrorism and mass migration, is forever kept locked in history.

Thank you.