Türkiye warns against sabotage of newfound 'climate of hope' in Syria

Türkiye's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız, told the UN Security Council on Thursday that a consequential and positive shift is underway in Syria, offering its people a long-awaited sense of hope. He issued a firm warning that this fragile progress must not be sabotaged and reiterated Türkiye's unwavering commitment to a sovereign Syria free from terrorism.

A consequential shift on the ground

Ambassador Yıldız framed recent developments, including clashes in Aleppo, Raqqa, and Deir ez-Zor, as the most significant change in Syria since the revolution began. He argued that these events demonstrate popular support for the government in Damascus and represent the Syrian people and state "restoring control over substantial parts of their territory" from terrorist groups. Yıldız expressed deep alarm over reported attacks by the remnants of these elements, citing destruction of infrastructure and mass killings of civilians in Hasakah province as confirmation of Türkiye's longstanding warnings.

Condemning the PKK/YPG's role and supporting integration

In a direct condemnation, Ambassador Yıldız dismissed the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as a legitimate entity. "The so-called SDF was neither Syrian nor democratic, nor a force. It was an extension of the PKK/YPG terrorists," he stated, aligning with the designations held by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU. He welcomed the recent ceasefire and integration agreement announced by Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara, expressing hope it would bring immediate security and stability. Yıldız called for the smooth handover of border crossings and detention centers to the Syrian government and urged the PKK/YPG to refrain from undermining the deal.

A pledge to support sovereignty and eliminate terrorism

Yıldız conveyed Türkiye's strong support for building "a united, sovereign and independent Syria" where all ethnic and religious groups coexist. He noted recent Syrian presidential decrees aimed at addressing historical injustices against Syrian Kurds as a positive step. "After more than 13 years of suffering immense loss and sacrifice, Syrians are embracing hope," Yıldız said. "Once again, no one has the right to ignore this reality or to sabotage this climate of hope." He pledged that Türkiye "will spare no effort to ensure the complete elimination of terrorist presence in Syria in all its forms and manifestations," standing firmly with the Syrian government's actions to resolve the conflict.