YouSaid · the spoken record

Feridun Sinirlioğlu

lines on the record: 94
first: 2020-04-23
most recent: 2021-05-16
sittings or episodes: 12
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Turkey will continue to extend every support to the Palestinian leadership and people in their struggle for statehood on the basis of pre-1967 borders.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“We have a moral and legal obligation to ensure the safety of Palestinian civilians, including by providing physical protection through the dispatching of an international protection force. The latest events have served to highlight the urgency of revitalizing the Middle East Peace Process towards a two-State solution. Palestinians will never be able to live in peace and prosperity under the current circumstances, where they continue to be treated as second-class citizens in their own homeland. This occupation and apartheid regime must end. The legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for freedom and dignity can no longer be repressed. A just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict can no longer be delayed.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“OIC Foreign Ministers consulted on possible steps to be taken within the OIC and at the United Nations against the attacks by Israel in the Palestinian territories. The OIC group also discussed the need to involve the General Assembly in our efforts. We are ready, as before, to extend our full support to initiatives in the General Assembly in the coming days. Given the situation and the risks faced by Palestinian civilians, we have to take decisive action to deter the aggression of the Israeli Government and ensure protection for Palestinian civilians. We must put in place an international protection mechanism to deter aggression. The General Assembly should lead the efforts for the establishment of an international protection mechanism for the Palestinian civilian population in accordance with General Assembly resolution ES-10/20.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“Israel is trying to oust Palestinians from Jerusalem in order to forcefully change the demography of the capital of the State of Palestine. That is part of Israel’s plan to render a two-State solution impossible by changing facts on the ground. Therefore, brokering a ceasefire alone will not be sufficient and will remain a stopgap measure unless coupled with more determined action to end Israel’s occupation and blockade over Palestinian territories. Turkey is actively pursuing multilateral efforts to galvanize the international community to stop the deterioration of the situation on the ground. Upon our initiative and in consultation with the Palestinian authorities and with the Chair of the Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the OIC Executive Committee met today at ministerial level.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“In line with its mandate under the Charter of the United Nations to preserve international peace and security, the Council must act at once to stop Israel’s attacks on Palestinians. It must also compel Israel to immediately allow humanitarian aid into Gaza for the thousands of displaced Palestinians. The Council can no longer shun its responsibilities towards the Palestinian people. Restrictions on the freedom of worship at Al-Haram Al-Sharif and the forced evictions of Palestinian people from their homes during Ramadan set the stage for the current crisis. However, those are symptoms of a cancer of much greater proportions that has been engulfing the Palestinian territories. The Netanyahu Government is provoking Palestinians to create a smokescreen for implementing its annexation plan.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“What can justify the Council’s current inaction in the face of such human carnage, broadcast live on television? If the Security Council was not conceived for stopping such murderous acts, what was it created for? The Council should have immediately and unequivocally condemned Israel’s indiscriminate attacks against worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque observing Ramadan and protesters in Sheikh Jarrah defending their homes against a deliberate campaign of ethnic cleansing two weeks ago. Remaining silent served only to embolden Netanyahu, prompting the occupier to launch its largest military operation targeting Gaza since 2014. The failure to adopt even a press statement on an issue that has been on the Council’s agenda almost since its inception is simply unacceptable.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“We also condemn the targeting in Gaza of schools of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, which caused serious damage to buildings and at least 29 classrooms. That is nothing but a war crime. It is deeply regrettable that an open Security Council meeting could only be held 10 days after the start of Israel’s lethal military aggression against Palestinian civilians. With each passing day that the Council remained silent, more innocent lives were lost in Palestine. Since the start of the Israeli aggression, more than 40 children have died in Gaza. If a classroom full of kids were to have been blown up elsewhere, how many days would it have taken for the Council to hold a public meeting? How many hours would the Council need to agree on a statement condemning that attack?”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“First, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Palestinian people for the tragic loss of innocent lives, including among children and babies. I also wish a speedy recovery to the more than 5,000 Palestinians who have been wounded. We strongly condemn Israel’s aggression, including its air strikes. The recent developments cannot be portrayed as the result of mutual escalation. The responsibility for the situation rests with the Israeli Government, under the leadership of Netanyahu. It is Israel that shockingly attempted to expel the Palestinian people from their homes in East Jerusalem and the West Bank during the holy month of Ramadan. It is again Israel that conducted operations against Palestinians worshipping at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“We urge the international community to stand behind the Syrian people in their quest for justice and accountability. As to the statement made by the representative of the Syrian regime, I repeat: I do not consider him as my legitimate counterpart. His presence here is an affront to the millions of Syrians who have suffered countless crimes at the hands of the regime, and therefore I will not honour his delusional remarks with a response.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“It is imperative to hold accountable all the perpetrators of this decade of systematic violations against Syrian people. We welcome the latest report of the Investigation and Identification Team of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), where it is established that chlorine was used by the regime air force in an attack against civilians in Saraqib on 4 February 2018. It has now been proven that the Al-Assad regime is responsible for at least eight chemical-weapon attacks. We also welcome the decision adopted last week at the OPCW Conference of the States Parties. This decision was indeed a timely and necessary step towards ending impunity in Syria. This is also a prerequisite for peace and security in the region and beyond.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“As a result of the PKK/YPG’s deliberate interruptions, due to the very low level of electricity available, only three of the 12 pumps linked with the water system can operate. These unlawful actions, which are putting half a million innocent lives at risk, are also impeding efforts to effectively combat the pandemic. They should be stopped. Those who support PKK/YPG and treat this terrorist organization as a legitimate actor are openly violating international law and undermining the unity and territorial integrity of Syria. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has verified that, from 24 February to 23 March, at least 16 civilians were killed and 70 were injured as a result of shelling and airstrikes in north-west Syria.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“On 7 April, the terrorist organization killed two Turkish soldiers returning from demining operations in Afrin. The PKK/YPG shamelessly announces these terrorist attacks through its social media accounts. The terrorist organization PKK/YPG uses Da’esh members and their families in Syrian camps for blackmail and extortion. The militants freed by the PKK/YPG for financial or political reasons pose a grave danger to Syria’s neighbours. Recently, we apprehended a Da’esh member released by the PKK/YPG from Al-Hol camp while he was trying to enter Turkey illegally. The PKK/YPG terrorist organization is also responsible for cutting electricity to the Allouk water station in Al-Hasakah and obstructing its proper functioning.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“On 21 March, civilians, including health-care workers, were killed in and around Al-Atarib hospital. On the very same day, a parking lot full of humanitarian aid trucks near the Turkish border was targeted in a horrifying attack, resulting in destruction of humanitarian aid trucks. This is unacceptable. The regime and its backers must stop all attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party/People’s Protection Units (PKK/YPG) continues to target Syrian civilians and Turkey from Tel Rifat, Manbij and Ayn Isa. This terrorist organization has carried out 400 attacks since October 2019, targeting civilians with car bombs. On 18 March, it launched rocket attacks from Tal Rifat targeting civilian areas in Kilis, Turkey.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“Resolution 2254 (2015) calls for free and fair elections pursuant to the new constitution. The elections announced by the Syrian regime for 26 May do not meet any of the criteria outlined in that resolution. These elections will deny participation to millions of Syrians inside and outside of the country. There is no doubt that these elections will be far from being free or fair. Therefore, it is not possible for the international community to deem these elections as being legitimate in any way. As pointed out by the United Nations, these elections are not part of resolution 2254 (2015). In order for efforts in the political process to yield results, it is also essential to preserve the ceasefire and calm on the ground. Yet ceasefire violations and attacks targeting civilians continue in Idlib.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“The fact that the regime has been making proposals contradicting the rules of procedure shows its lack of serious engagement with the process. If held, the next rounds should yield concrete results. Drafting on the substance of the constitution should commence without further delay. This is critical for the continuation of the process. We are encouraging the opposition. If the regime is sincere about reaching a political solution, it is time to demonstrate that concretely. There is no other acceptable way forward for the Syrian people and the international community to end this conflict other than through a political solution. We support Special Envoy Pedersen’s ongoing efforts to advance the work of the Constitutional Committee. Our Foreign Minister reiterated Turkey’s support during the meeting that he had with Mr. Pedersen today.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“While Al-Assad is preventing aid from reaching regime-controlled areas, it is ironic to see these attempts aiming to divert the attention of the Council from its primary responsibility of extending the mandate of the cross-border mechanism. Turkey continues to strongly support the settlement of the Syrian conflict through a political solution in line with resolution 2254 (2015). The Constitutional Committee opened a window of opportunity for a political solution. However, despite all the efforts and warnings, the Syrian regime continues its attempts to squander this opportunity. During the latest rounds, the regime blocked the work of the Committee with unreasonable requests and suggestions aiming to undermine and disregard the opposition.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“It is simply not possible to replace this model. If the United Nations cross-border operations were to stop, we would lose one of the best scrutinized and most robust mechanisms in the world. If the mechanism were to stop, the only way out for the 2.7 million IDPs would be to escape Syria. Inevitably, that would result in new migration flows towards neighbouring countries and Europe. There is no single argument that can justify the cessation of United Nations cross-border operations. The Syrian people want to see a united Security Council that is able to make the right decision. It is the Council’s moral obligation to renew the United Nations cross-border mechanism, with additional crossings, for 12 months. Again, some countries are promoting only cross-line access.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“Vulnerable people struggle to survive with the aid coming from the Bab Al-Hawa crossing point. Now they are waiting to get vaccinated, thanks to the cross-border mechanism. Some 50,000 vaccines were transferred into the region last week. It is estimated that, by next year, 20 per cent of the population in the north-west will receive vaccines through cross-border aid. In Hatay, I also had an opportunity to meet and listen to Syrian refugees. They said, “There is nothing left there but suffering, persecution and starvation. Unilateral attempts by the regime under the pretext of discussing the return of refugees are part of Al-Assad’s illusions. Syrian people ran away from death, and they do not want to go back.” The monitoring mechanism established by the United Nations is unique and indispensable.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Under Secretary-General Lowcock for their briefings. This month, together with the President of the General Assembly, I visited Hatay, a town bordering Syria where the United Nations lifeline channels cross-border humanitarian operations to millions of people in need. Once again, I witnessed first- hand the provision of aid items and loading and monitoring procedures, showing the whole journey in full transparency. The United Nations has full control of the entire operation at four distinct levels — at the border, at warehouses in Syria, at distribution levels and after distribution. During the visit, from the Turkish side of the border, we also observed the dire humanitarian situation unfolding in overcrowded camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Syria.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“The current humanitarian situation is a consequence of the Al-Assad regime’s fight against the legitimate demands of the Syrian people — and we all know it. While we await the political process to deliver in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015), we need to respond urgently to the deepening humanitarian situation. This is a fight between right and wrong. This is a matter of humanitarian principles, and millions of human lives are at stake. We need real action now. As to the statement made by the Syrian regime’s representative, I will repeat: I do not consider him as my legitimate counterpart. His presence here is an affront to the millions of Syrians who have suffered countless crimes at the hands of the regime, and therefore I will not honour his delusional remarks with a response.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“As Under-Secretary-General Lowcock emphasized today, and as has been highlighted by the Secretary-General on different occasions, the most scrutinized system in the world has been put in place to monitor the United Nations operations from Bab Al-Hawa. The lies that we heard today about Bab Al-Hawa are yet another attempt to cover up the most unlawful and inhuman starvation campaigns that have been conducted against Syrian people. The unanimous adoption of resolution 2165 (2014), in 2014, was one of the most important signs of unity within the Security Council. It is time for all members of the Council to prove that they really care about the urgent needs of the innocent people of Syria and authorize the renewal of the United Nations cross-border mechanism. The Syrian people have endured the darkest decade of our time.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“We could face another mass exodus if the United Nations cross-border humanitarian operation is not renewed in July. We do not have time to waste with discussions about cross-line access, which can never meet the scale of cross-border operations. It is particularly futile to advocate cross-line aid subject to the regime’s approval. Damascus itself tops the list in terms of humanitarian needs, with an additional half a million of its residents becoming vulnerable compared to last year. Unilateral initiatives that do not have the consent of the local population can only serve attempts to legitimize Al-Assad’s dictatorship.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“The perpetrators should be, and will be, exposed and held accountable. Today the humanitarian situation in Syria is worse than it was nine months ago, when resolution 2533 (2020) was adopted. As it was stated before me, 13.4 million people are in humanitarian need. This is a 20 per cent increase from last year. As part of the United Nations cross-border assistance, over 12,000 aid trucks crossed into the north-west in 2020, including over 10,000 through Bab Al-Hawa. Millions of people need vaccines against the coronavirus disease. This human-made situation can be compared only to the most terrible crimes of human history. We all remember the heartbreaking images of Syrians from six years ago. They were fleeing for their lives.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“We set a red line in Idlib and protect 5 million vulnerable people from Al-Assad and his backers. Turkey is the only NATO country that engaged in hand to hand combat in Syria with Da’esh. And we maintain our resolute fight against the terrorist organization Kurdistan Workers’ Party/People’s Protection Units and its separatist agenda, which aims to establish totalitarian rule in north-east Syria. The perpetrators of mass atrocities in Syria continue to target civilians and civilian infrastructure. The barbaric attack on Atarib Hospital last week, a United Nations-deconflicted facility, is the latest example of the war crimes taking place in Syria. The perpetrators killed innocent civilians and destroyed 24 aid trucks and relief items for more than 20,000 people. We strongly condemn these violations of international humanitarian law.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“Inside Syria, over 80 per cent of people are living in poverty. Eighty-six per cent of refugee children do not want to return to Syria; they feel unsafe to go back. At least two aid workers and eight medical personnel are killed every month. Fifty-six per cent of the Syrian people are afraid to live near health facilities, because these are regularly targeted by the Al-Assad regime and its supporters. These numbers only get worse. And the Security Council holds meetings, one after another, to no avail. My country is faced with all the security implications and humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Syria. We have been hosting 4 million Syrians. We have ensured that United Nations cross-border humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people in Syria.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“I thank you, for convening this meeting. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Lowcock and UNICEF Executive Director Fore for their insightful briefings. And I salute Dr. Amani Ballour, who bravely saved countless lives in an underground hospital in eastern Ghouta. In March 2011, the Syrian regime detained and tortured demonstrators in Dar’a. These young people had wanted to express their desire to live in a democratic and free society. That was the beginning of Al-Assad’s horrific war against its own people. Ten years have passed. Since then we, the international community, have not been able to bring an end to the violence and human rights violations in Syria. The figures are appalling. More than 60 per cent of Syria’s pre-war population were forced to flee their homes. More than a half million people died.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“We condemn in the strongest terms possible the repeated and well-documented chemical attacks by the Al-Assad regime against its own population. The regime must be held accountable for its violation of international law and for crimes against humanity. The international community must stand firm to ensure accountability for the use of chemical weapons in Syria. Let us all work together to make this grim anniversary the beginning of a new era to end impunity. The Council must be unified in urging the regime to swiftly and tangibly cooperate with the OPCW without further delay. This is also key to preventing the recurrence of the use of chemical weapons in Syria. We would like to highlight once again the responsibility of those who have influence on the Syrian regime.”
2021-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/226 (2021) · source
“Turkey reiterates its support for the OPCW Technical Secretariat and its investigative bodies. Their professionalism, impartiality and expertise are highly commendable. We would like to warn against efforts targeting the integrity and credibility of the OPCW. The cooperation between the United Nations and the OPCW remains essential for a robust non-proliferation regime. We therefore welcome the adoption of the relevant resolution (resolution 75/265) at the General Assembly yesterday, which we gladly co-sponsored. This month marks the tenth anniversary since the Syrian people took to the streets peacefully to express their legitimate aspirations for freedom, democracy and dignity. Their demand was met with oppression by the regime through the most brutal means, including the use of chemical weapons.”
2021-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/226 (2021) · source
“In this context, a draft decision has been submitted during the second part of the twenty-fifth session of the Conference of the States Parties. Turkey is one of the co-sponsors to that draft decision as well, together with 45 States Parties. Establishing truth is fundamental for our joint efforts to achieve peace and justice in Syria. The current investigations by the Fact-Finding Mission and the Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) on the use of chemical weapons in Syria are crucial in this regard. The IIT has a unique role in identifying the perpetrators of the use of chemical weapons. The Syrian regime’s denial of visas to the IIT is another violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. This is also a clear sign of an attempt to hide the truth.”
2021-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/226 (2021) · source
“We expect concrete action from the Council to make the regime fully cooperate with the Declaration Assessment Team and immediately declare the full extent of its chemical weapons programme to the OPCW. The Security Council must act in unity and determination without delay. In response to the Syrian regime’s non-compliance with its obligations, the OPCW Executive Council adopted an important decision in July 2020. It set clear and verifiable parameters for action and required the Syrian regime to return to full compliance with the Convention within 90 days. Turkey co-sponsored this decision, together with 39 States parties. However, the Syrian regime has yet again failed to fulfil its obligations under this decision. As a result, further effective measures became necessary.”
2021-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/226 (2021) · source
“There are still 19 outstanding issues regarding the Al-Assad regime’s chemical weapons declaration. This declaration cannot be considered accurate and complete in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. Among those outstanding issues, one particularly deserves urgent attention by the Council. Contrary to the regime’s allegations, all the information and materials collected by the OPCW Declaration Assessment Team since 2014 indicate that the production and/or weaponization of chemical warfare nerve agents took place at a facility in Syria. We deeply regret that the OPCW Technical Secretariat’s request for information about this facility has been denied by the regime. The regime must be forced to declare the exact types and quantities of chemical agents produced and/or weaponized in that facility.”
2021-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/226 (2021) · source
“At the outset, Madam President, I would like to congratulate you on the assumption of your duties as the Permanent Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations. I also express our congratulations for the United States presidency of the Security Council during this month. I also thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing. It is unacceptable that the Syrian regime has not yet made a complete and accurate declaration of its chemical weapons programme. This constitutes a serious violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The eighty-ninth monthly report (see S/2021/200) of the Director General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) provides yet another record of this alarming situation.”
2021-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/226 (2021) · source
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure accountability for the use of chemical weapons in Syria. We owe that to the victims. Ending impunity is indispensable to achieving peace in Syria. The Council must be unified in urging the regime to undertake swift and tangible cooperation with the OPCW without any further delay. That is also key to preventing the recurrence of any chemical-weapons use in Syria. Those who have influence on the Syrian regime have a historic responsibility in that regard.”
2021-02-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/109 (2021) · source
“The current investigations by the fact-finding mission and the Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) are important in order to establish the truth about chemical-weapons use in Syria. The IIT must be supported, as it has a unique role in identifying the perpetrators of such use. The Syrian regime’s denial of a visa to the IIT is another violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Turkey once again commends and supports the OPCW Technical Secretariat and its investigative bodies. The use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere and under any circumstances is a grave violation of international law and a crime against humanity. We strongly condemn the repeated and well-documented use of chemical weapons by the Al-Assad regime against its own population.”
2021-02-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/109 (2021) · source
“In reaction to the Syrian regime’s non-compliance with its CWC obligations, the OPCW Executive Council adopted an important decision on 9 July 2020. It set clear and verifiable parameters for action and required the Syrian regime to return to full compliance with the Convention within 90 days. Turkey co-sponsored that decision. However, the Syrian regime has yet again failed to fulfil its obligations under that decision. Further effective measures are needed. In that context, a draft decision has been submitted to be considered during the second part of the twenty-fifth session of the Conference of the States Parties. Turkey is one of the co-sponsors of that draft decision, together with 45 States parties.”
2021-02-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/109 (2021) · source
“Of those 19 remaining outstanding issues, one needs the urgent attention of the Council. Despite the regime’s allegations to the contrary, there is a chemical- weapons production facility on which the OPCW Technical Secretariat has requested information. Accordingly, the regime must be forced to declare the exact types and quantities of chemical agents produced and/or weaponized in that facility. We expect concrete action from the Council to make the regime fully cooperate with the Declaration Assessment Team and immediately declare the full extent of its chemical-weapons programme to the OPCW. I would like to stress once again the importance of the Security Council’s unity and determination in that regard.”
2021-02-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/109 (2021) · source
“I would like to congratulate you on the United Kingdom’s assumption of the presidency of the Council for this month. I would also like to thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing. The Syrian regime, more than seven years after its accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), has not yet made a complete and accurate declaration of its chemical-weapons programme. That should have been done no later than 30 days after the accession. That is unacceptable. The eighty-eighth monthly report of the OPCW Director General (see S/2021/84) once again attests to a straightforward fact: there are still outstanding issues regarding the Al-Assad regime’s chemical-weapons declaration. The regime’s declaration can by no means be considered accurate and complete.”
2021-02-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/109 (2021) · source
“Let me conclude by reiterating our strong determination to address the plight of the Syrian people and actively contribute to a political settlement that will meet their legitimate aspirations. As to the previous speaker, I will not honour him with a reply. As I have stated many times, I do not consider him as a legitimate representative of the Syrian people.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“A collective fight must be waged against this terrorist organization. Otherwise, the PKK/YPG will not cease its separatist actions against the territorial integrity of Syria, or its heinous attacks against civilians. It is time to end this ambivalent approach and call a spade a spade. The international community must refrain from actions that would violate international law and serve the separatist agenda of the PKK/YPG hiding behind the name of so- called “Syrian Democratic Forces”. Turkey will continue to stand against the PKK/ YPG’s attempts to gain legitimacy and its efforts to consolidate its totalitarian grip over the north-east through oppression and economic incentives.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“Thanks to our counter-terrorism efforts against Da’esh and the PKK/ YPG, 420,000 Syrians have voluntarily returned to the Syrian territories cleared of terrorist threats. The PKK/YPG continues to carry out terrorist attacks targeting civilians in northern Syria. Since October 2019 alone, the PKK/YPG has launched over 300 terrorist attacks. Most recently, the bomb attack it carried out in a marketplace in Rasulayn on 2 January resulted in the deaths of six people, including two children, and injured 11 people. Another terrorist attack carried out by the PKK/YPG with a bomb-laden vehicle three days ago in a marketplace in Azaz killed at least one civilian, while injuring several others. Such bloody terrorist attacks continue to be largely ignored. The international community must unequivocally condemn them and expose their perpetrators.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“We attach importance to the Astana process as a critical element of the overall efforts at finding a political solution to the Syrian conflict. We are working on rescheduling the fifteenth meeting of the Astana process in the coming weeks, which had to be postponed due to the pandemic. Preserving the ceasefire in Idlib is crucial for protection of civilians and preventing new migration waves. Having said that, the regime continues its ceasefire violations. In line with our efforts to maintain the ceasefire, and within the framework of the 5 March additional protocol, we continue our technical engagement with the Russian Federation. Turkey also continues its resolute fight against terrorist organizations on the ground.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“As the sole functioning mechanism within the political process, the Constitutional Committee should advance its work in an accelerated and productive manner. To that end, Turkey will continue its collaboration with the United Nations and other relevant actors, as well as its coordination within the Astana framework. During the fifth round of meetings, scheduled for 25 to 29 January, the Committee should focus on the constitutional principles, with a view to yielding concrete results. That is critical for the effective functioning of the Committee. The Syrian sides should be advised and warned accordingly. It is imperative to fend off attempts at stonewalling. We support Special Envoy Pedersen’s efforts towards advancing the political process.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“As I have explained on numerous occasions, deliberate interruptions by the Kurdish Workers Party/Kurdish People’s Protection Units (PKK/YPG) terrorist organization continue to put half a million innocent lives at risk and impede efforts to effectively combat the pandemic. Although we have repeated our calls to all interested parties and actively contributed to the efforts to restore the water supply, the problem remains unsolved. And — no surprise — together with the PKK/YPG, the regime is also doing its part, by grounding circuit interrupters on power lines to the Allouk water system. We all know the perpetrators and their quest for tactical gains by not ensuring the sustainability of the system and the provision of water to Al-Hassakeh in full capacity. Let me also touch upon the political situation.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“I am obliged to remind the Council of the urgent need to reopen that gate, and I request the Security Council to fulfil its responsibility in accordance with General Assembly resolution 75/193, on the human rights situation in Syria. I have voiced in previous meetings that shelter is the most critical need in the north-west. I am pleased to inform the Council that, as part of the ongoing national project to alleviate shelter needs in Idlib, Turkey finalized the construction of more than 27,000 housing units. Our aim is to provide shelter to more than 52,000 families in the coming weeks. It is crucial that all international stakeholders and donors prioritize funding such projects. For more than a year now, electricity disruptions hindering the proper functioning of the Allouk water station have been an issue of concern.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“The United Nations cross-border mechanism continues to be the only instrument to meet the humanitarian needs. Since the adoption of the resolution 2533 (2020), around 4.000 convoys have channelled humanitarian assistance into the region through the single crossing point of Bab Al-Hawa. We also continue to deliver pandemic-related items in accordance with the recent trilateral agreement among the Turkish Red Crescent, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the World Health Organization. Let me repeat once again that there is no alternative that can match the scale and scope of the United Nations cross-border operations. It is deplorable that the Security Council failed to re-authorize the Bab Al-Salam crossing point, leaving hundreds of thousands of people at the mercy of the Al-Assad regime.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“There are urgent needs for shelter and other basic necessities. In the north-west, with its indiscriminate military campaign, the regime has rendered health services unprepared for the global health crisis. Recently, the number of positive COVID-19 cases has risen steadily in north-west Syria, reaching record levels. While access to health and adequate sanitation in the context of continuous displacement remains challenging, humanitarian organizations actively operate to deliver life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable. We are in close contact with United Nations agencies on vaccination planning for these people. Three million internally displaced persons living in the north-west are in acute need of humanitarian assistance and depend upon the aid channelled from Turkey.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this meeting. I also thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Under-Secretary-General Lowcock for their briefings. At the outset, I would like to join other colleagues and pay tribute to Ambassador Kelly Craft for her personal dedication to highlighting the plight of the Syrian people. I applaud her for walking the talk in advocating the rights of all Syrians, including those who sought refuge in Turkey, as well as her personal efforts for extending the United Nations cross-border mechanism, which is lifeline for millions of Syrians. The humanitarian situation in Syria remains extremely worrisome. The Syrian people are caught between violence, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and harsh winter conditions. People are suffering due to limited access to health-care services, water and food.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“It provides guidance as to where we need to focus our attention and resources in order to effectively fight against terrorism despite its ever- changing dynamics. We need to make sure that the obligations stipulated in the resolution do not remain a set of unfulfilled words. Through concrete steps, as outlined in the resolution, we will be able to achieve results in eradicating the threat of terrorism. To that end, Turkey will continue to be a steadfast partner in the implementation of the resolution and contribute to international efforts to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
2021-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/48 (2021) · source
“That is because we all well know that such an approach will seriously erode trust in international cooperation and eventually turn out to be a global security risk in the long run. Last but not least, the resolution clearly states that refugee status should not be abused by terrorists and that extradition requests vis-à-vis persons involved in terrorism should not be denied on the grounds of their political motivation. That is also one of the key areas where we lack progress. If we are to achieve tangible results in our fight against terrorism, that is an area where we need to focus more. Doing so will demonstrate that there is genuine will and determination to defeat the threat of terrorism in a collective manner. Even though resolution 1373 (2001) was adopted two decades ago, it remains relevant and important today.”
2021-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/48 (2021) · source
“Secondly, the resolution urges members to share operational information, refrain from providing support to persons and entities involved in terrorism and deny safe haven to such entities and persons.Unfortunately, we are far from achieving those goals. There is still reluctance, and even resistance, to implement this obligation. We must not allow hypocrisy and inconsistency in our fight against terrorism. A selective approach vis-à-vis terrorist organizations will only strengthen their hand while weakening our collective efforts. Turkey has been highlighting for a long time that any legitimate Government cannot partner with a terrorist group with the excuse of fighting another one.”
2021-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/48 (2021) · source