YouSaid · the spoken record

Sinirlioğlu

lines on the record: 536
first: 2015-09-30
most recent: 2023-01-25
sittings or episodes: 74
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

“While the regime holds onto its illusions, Turkey will continue to address the suffering of the Syrian people. We will persevere until peace and stability are restored in Syria.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source
“It is also that terrorist group that attacks and prevents Syrian Yazidis in Iraq and Syrian Kurds from returning to their homes in Syria. When will that hypocrisy end? How much longer will the Security Council ignore the elephant in the room? When will the PKK/YPG’s attack against the United Nations-supported Al-Shifa hospital in Afrin be investigated by the United Nations? We will never condone supporting terrorism under the pretext of fighting Da’esh. Turkey will continue its resolute fight against all terrorist organizations, including Da’esh and the PKK/YPG. Yet again, the previous speaker poisoned this meeting with fabricated lies. I will not honour him with a reply. Try as it may, the regime will never succeed in diverting the attention of the international community from its abhorrent crimes.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source
“The Kurdistan Workers’ Party/People’s Protection Units (PKK/YPG) remains a major threat to the security of Syria. That terrorist organization and its offshoot, the Syrian Democratic Forces, are not relenting in their attacks against civilians. This year alone, they have killed at least 118 civilians. Yet the international community remains silent in the face of those crimes against humanity, which have also been documented by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic. Last week, Syrian Kurds and Arabs were peacefully protesting the price hikes in areas under the de facto control of the PKK/YPG. Yet those so- called democratic forces suppressed Syrians who were exercising their democratic right to protest.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source
“Continued ceasefire violations not only risk triggering a new wave of migration; they also jeopardize the prospects of ending the conflict through a political solution. That dangerous escalation also casts a dark shadow over the compromise reached on the cross- border humanitarian mechanism in July and taints the goodwill displayed in that process. Such attacks continued unabated over the past weekend. That is simply unacceptable. Attacks targeting civilians must stop immediately. The protection of civilians is not negotiable. The regime and its backers must fully adhere to the ceasefire. That is the minimum that they can do to have any credibility whatsoever in the process. An increase in ceasefire violations is not the only destabilizing development on the ground.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source
“We are confident that the opposition will maintain its positive approach, as in previous rounds. Today we reiterate our call to all parties to adopt the same constructive attitude towards the Constitutional Committee. Genuine engagement is required if we are to finally make credible progress on the political track. While there are positive developments on the political track, we are dismayed by the ever-worsening situation on the ground. The increase in violence in Idlib is a cause for serious concern. Since the beginning of this month, the ceasefire violations of the regime and its backers have reached alarming levels. In September alone, more than 185 attacks have been documented. Due to the recent increase in violence, 22,000 more people have been internally displaced.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source
“The Constitutional Committee is the sole mechanism in place within the political process. We are pleased to learn that Mr. Pedersen’s intense efforts over the past months finally paid off. Despite a long delay, the Syrian sides agreed on the methodology of the sixth round of the Constitutional Committee. It is now time to shift gears. We cannot afford to see more of the same in Geneva. It is time for the Constitutional Committee to yield concrete results with regard to its core mandate. It is time to make genuine progress on substance. There is no room for repetition, stalling tactics or blame games. It is imperative that the terms of reference and the core rules of procedure of the Committee be fully respected. Turkey is actively engaged in efforts to ensure that the sixth round will be held in a constructive and results-oriented manner.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source
“Mr. Sinirlioğlu (Turkey): First, I would like to thank Special Envoy Pedersen for his briefing. I would also like to thank Ms. Rouba Mhaissen for highlighting the crucial role of Syrian women in the efforts towards finding a lasting political solution to the conflict. The perspective of Syrian communities with regard to the recent developments needs to be taken into account, and we welcome Ms. Mhaissen’s insights. The Security Council needs to give a greater voice to the Syrian people in the Chamber. After 10 years of bloodshed, we simply cannot lose another day in ending the conflict. We need to take urgent action now to build momentum for a lasting and credible political solution. We have the right tools at hand to achieve a political solution in line with resolution 2254 (2015).”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source
“Despite the false accusations and fabricated lies we just heard, the regime will not be able to cover up its crimes and walk away. When the time comes, the regime will be held accountable for the systematic massacres and mass destruction it has committed throughout Syria, With regard to the insulting statement made by the representative of the Syrian regime, I reiterate that I do not consider him to be my legitimate counterpart. His presence here is an affront to the millions of Syrians who are victims of the regime’s countless crimes. I will therefore not honour his delusional accusations with a response.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“Independent mechanisms such as the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism have a vital role to play in ensuring that impunity does not take root in a post- conflict Syria. The latest report (A/HRC/48/70) of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry reveals a bleak picture of the situation in Syria, documenting torture and sexual violence in detention, deaths in custody and enforced disappearances. We should closely follow up on its recommendations and accelerate efforts to ensure accountability. The Syrian people have endured a decade of loss and heartbreak, but they have not given up on justice or respect for their rights. We must show our determination to support them along that path.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“Year after year, Syrians have continued to confront gross violations and abuses at the hands of the Al-Assad regime and terrorist organizations. Countless people have been deprived of their liberty in Syria, with many waiting for news from their disappeared and missing family members. The atrocities committed by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party/People’s Protection Units and its Syrian offshoot, the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces, vary from bomb attacks on hospitals and schools to the recruitment of children to assassinations and kidnappings. Their war crimes and crimes against humanity test our conscience every day.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“That operation required a total-risk assessment and negotiations with different actors. It also validated our concerns in relation to the safety of cross-line assistance in the region. Allow me to recall once again that resolution 2585 (2021) covers the entire country and requests progress on cross-line access throughout Syria. In that regard, I will repeat our call for cross-line operations to be conducted into the north-east, including into Ras Al-Ayn and Tel Abyad, where needs are severe, but no aid has been delivered until now. We expect to see equal attention paid to the most vulnerable in the north-west and north-east of the country, as well as in the south- west, in Dara’a, who require our immediate attention. There will be no sustainable peace without accountability.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“The largest shipment of vaccines to the north-west from Turkey, with 350,000 doses, took place at the beginning of the month. We aim to increase the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines in the coming weeks. It is clear that the absence of the mechanism at such a critical time would be devastating. We all applauded the unanimous adoption of resolution 2585 (2021) in July. Millions of vulnerable people in the north-west will continue to benefit from cross-border aid, at least for another year. Two months after its adoption, important progress has already been made regarding cross-line access into the north-west, despite all the difficulties posed by conducting such an operation. Between 30 August and 1 September, 14 World Food Programme trucks containing 600 tons of food items made the journey from Aleppo to Sarmada, Idlib.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“The heinous attack against the Turkish armed forces in Idlib on 11 September resulted in the death of two Turkish soldiers, with three others injured. We thank our friends and allies who have extended messages of condolences in that regard. We will continue our efforts to preserve the ceasefire in Idlib. Under the current conditions, the United Nations cross-border mechanism remains the only tool to help the 4 million people stuck in the north-west. They desperately need that assistance for their most basic needs, including medical equipment and vaccines. On several occasions in the Security Council, many of us have underlined the urgency of maintaining cross- border operations in order to prevent the spillover effect of COVID-19 in the region.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“Turkey continues to facilitate the work of the United Nations towards that objective while hosting the largest population of Syrian refugees and shouldering all humanitarian and security consequences of the Syrian conflict. Throughout Syria, the United Nations and its partners strive to address record levels of needs under difficult circumstances. Humanitarian agencies report that the north-west is at the height of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, where the fragile health system operates at its maximum capacity. At the same time, the escalation of violence by the Al-Assad regime continues to result in increasing numbers of civilian casualties and significant displacement since the ceasefire in Idlib.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“Mr. Sinirlioğlu (Turkey): I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Griffiths for his briefing. I also thank Ms. Qaddour for her insightful statement. This month, Turkey welcomed United Nations high- level officials who observed, first-hand, the impact of a decade-long war in Syria. They met with Syrians who had fled the brutal war waged against innocent civilians. They also witnessed the dire conditions of those living under constant threat and fear across our borders with Syria. Both Under-Secretary-General Griffiths and High Commissioner Grandi highlighted the need to keep Syria high on our collective agenda and strengthen our response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“The Council should uphold its responsibilities and enable the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan to conduct its activities without any hindrance. For our part, we are ready to assist in any way we can to facilitate the central role of the United Nations at this critical time.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“Through regional initiatives and platforms such as the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process and trilateral cooperation mechanisms, we have strived to find comprehensive and pragmatic solutions to regional issues. Our commitment to Afghanistan and the Afghan people is open-ended. We will never abandon them, and we will not let them down. Together, we should strengthen the hopes of the Afghan people for the future. Lasting peace and stability require political reconciliation. Afghanistan can overcome the current challenges only through enhanced unity and solidarity. We should help them to achieve that. In conclusion, let me recall that an immediate request by the Afghan people to the Council is the continued presence of the United Nations in Afghanistan in all fields.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“Our endeavours should also include neighbouring countries that are already hosting a large number of Afghan refugees and struggling with the socioeconomic impact. Unless we take immediate action now, we will face greater humanitarian consequences and security repercussions in the region and beyond. Turkey and Afghanistan have deep-rooted historical, cultural and ethnic ties. For many years, my country has assumed a significant role to support Afghanistan on every front. While we have actively contributed to its security, we have also carried out the most comprehensive development programme in our history through countless projects, including many on the empowerment of women and girls.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“In that regard, we welcome the adoption of resolution 2593 (2021) and call for its swift implementation. Let me also touch briefly upon the humanitarian situation, which requires our immediate attention. We are witnessing the worsening of living conditions throughout Afghanistan, with half of the population in need of urgent assistance and one third facing hunger. We have already stepped up our aid efforts through the Turkish Red Crescent. However, global efforts are urgently needed in order to respond to the deteriorating situation. The high-level ministerial meeting to be hosted by the Secretary-General next week will definitely provide an important opportunity to mobilize the international community in that direction.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“Now more than ever, the Afghan people and vulnerable groups in particular need our support and solidarity. One of our urgent tasks should be to ensure the continued functioning of Kabul International Airport. In his latest report (S/2021/759), the Secretary-General underlines the preservation of infrastructure and the reopening of airports as vital for the continuation of basic services. In recent weeks, we have done our best to support our allies and partners in their evacuation efforts. Together with Qatar, we have undertaken efforts to ensure the safe and secure operation of Kabul airport. It is critical to keep the airport operational in order to connect Afghan people with the world. It is also the most rapid and safest route to ensure the transfer of humanitarian assistance to people in need.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“The interim Government of Afghanistan knows very well that it will be held accountable if it violates human rights, especially the rights of women and girls. We should we watching developments in that context very closely. Afghanistan stands at an important crossroads today. We note the announcement by the Taliban this week about the formation of the interim cabinet. We hope that those efforts will ultimately result in the creation of an inclusive and representative Government. That is essential for long-term stability. To that end, we believe that gradual engagement is the right approach. We need to engage with the Taliban in order to see whether its promises will be put into action or not. It has to earn our trust by translating its words into deeds. It will, of course, be judged by what it does, not by what it is saying.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“Mr. Sinirlioğlu (Turkey): I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Deborah Lyons, for her comprehensive briefing. I also thank Ms. Wazhma Frogh and Ms. Malala Yousafzai for their insightful statements. Over the years in this Chamber, we have emphasized time and again the importance of supporting Afghanistan on its journey of political, security and economic transformation. We have highlighted our collective achievements and responsibilities to reach lasting peace. Despite all obstacles, with the help of the international community, Afghan people made major gains at important costs over the past two decades in the field of fundamental rights and freedoms, especially the rights of women and girls. We believe that the protection of those achievements will be first and foremost in the interest of the Afghan nation.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“The regime’s war crimes and crimes against humanity require immediate steps towards full accountability. We owe this to the victims of the Ghouta attack, whose eighth anniversary we marked last month. We have to take action to honour the innocent victims of all chemical attacks. We strongly condemn the repeated use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime in Ghouta and elsewhere. Ending impunity is a pressing task for the international community, especially for the Security Council, in order to achieve peace in Syria. The meeting rose at 4.45 p.m.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“The IIT plays a critical role in identifying the perpetrators of chemical-weapons use. The regime must be compelled to cooperate with the IIT for its operations in Syria, including by issuing visas and granting access to confidential information relating to its military chemical programme. The regime must also fulfil its obligations to issue a visa for the new OPCW team leader to be deployed in Damascus. Turkey regrets attempts that question the objectivity of the work carried out by the OPCW Technical Secretariat and its investigative bodies. We reiterate our support for the independence, professionalism and impartiality of the Technical Secretariat. The appropriate response to the regime’s brazen violations of international law cannot and should not be the ongoing inaction at the Security Council.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“Turkey has supported the efforts within the OPCW aimed at bringing the regime to compliance by co-sponsoring the OPCW Executive Council decision of July 2020 and the decision adopted during the second part of the twenty-fifth session of Conference of State Parties in April. Such measures, supported by the overwhelming majority of States parties, are vitally important to ensuring accountability in Syria. The use of chemical weapons by the Al-Assad regime against its own people is well documented, with an ever-growing track record. Most recently, with the two reports of the Investigation and Identification Team (IIT), it has now been proven that the regime is responsible for at least eight chemical-weapons attacks. We strongly condemn the use of chemical weapons by the regime.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“The presence of an undeclared chemical weapons production facility is a case in point. The regime still fails to declare the chemical warfare agents produced and/or weaponized at that site, in violation of its obligations. Equally worrisome is the revelation that the Al-Assad regime had moved two chlorine cylinders related to the Douma chemical attack. This happened despite the warnings from the OPCW Technical Secretariat and without its consent, let alone prior knowledge. That is another stark example of the Al-Assad regime’s non-compliance with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention. The regime must be urged to provide all relevant information with regard to the movement of the two cylinders and any remains that exist following their destruction. For that to happen, the unity of the Security Council is indispensable.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“Mr. Sinirlioğlu (Turkey): I would like to begin by congratulating you, Madam President, on Ireland’s assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for September, and I wish you every success. I also commend India for a successful presidency last month, and I thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing. As expected, the most recent monthly report (S/2021/764, annex) of the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) yet again points to the identified gaps, inconsistencies and discrepancies in the Syrian regime’s chemical weapons declaration. The OPCW therefore cannot confirm whether that declaration is accurate and complete. The increasing number of outstanding issues is a matter of great concern to us.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“The Council must authorize the mechanism without delay, with additional crossings for a period of at least 12 months. The previous speaker once again repeated his usual delusional allegations and shameless lies. As he is not my legitimate counterpart, he does not deserve a response from me. The answer to the criminal regime that he represents will be given by the Syrian people when they save and rebuild Syria.”
2021-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8805 (2021) · source
“I salute all the brave women of Syria, like the physician Dr. Amani Ballour, who saved countless lives in an underground hospital for years in eastern Ghouta, and Nujeen Mustafa, a staunch supporter and advocate for refugees, who travelled across countries in her wheelchair. Syrian women have an essential role to play in the political process and the future of the country, as Ms. Hussain said. We should not fail them. The dignity of the Syrian people should be restored. That can be achieved only with the strong support of the Security Council. In the face of increased humanitarian needs, we need the United Nations cross- border mechanism more than ever. Any failure on that front will have a serious negative impact on the lives of the people.”
2021-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8805 (2021) · source
“Let me reiterate our strong determination to address the plight of the Syrian people. Against all odds, Turkey will persevere in seeking a political settlement that will meet the legitimate aspirations of Syrians. While doing so, we will also continue to extend a helping hand to safeguard their lives against the military campaign of the Al-Assad regime. Syrian women are the unsung heroes of the conflict, which has lasted for more than a decade. Millions of Syrian women’s lives have dramatically changed overnight. They have had no choice but to cope with war, on the one hand, while struggling to make it through the day, on the other. They have become the main breadwinners and have taken on many challenges away from their communities and traditional support systems, upon which they have always relied.”
2021-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8805 (2021) · source
“The most recent incidents in Manbij bear witness to the local population’s resistance to the PKK/YPG’s operations and acts of persecution. At least eight people were killed, and scores more have been injured, as a result of live rounds fired by the PKK-YPG to disperse locals protesting against their forced-recruitment policies. It is time to acknowledge that the support provided to the PKK/YPG is channelled to oppress local Syrians and forcefully recruit them for terrorist acts. I would like to remind the Security Council once again that there are not good terrorists and bad terrorists; terrorists are all the same: evil. Turkey will continue to stand against the PKK-YPG’s acts to terrorize the local population and attempts to consolidate its grip over the north-east through oppression.”
2021-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8805 (2021) · source
“There is going to be a heavy price for any adventurous steps. Meanwhile, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party/ People’s Protection Units (PKK/YPG) ramped up their attacks on civilians. This cold-blooded terrorist organization targeted the United Nations-supported Al-Shifa hospital in Afrin on 12 June, killing scores of innocent civilians and injuring many. Al-Shifa hospital was one of the largest health facilities in northern Syria, which offered thousands of medical-service interventions each month. Its coordinates were shared with the United Nations de-confliction mechanism. This terrorist attack is a crime against humanity, and it must be investigated by the United Nations. These acts of terrorism will continue as long as the perpetrators of these attacks are not held accountable and continue to receive outside support.”
2021-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8805 (2021) · source
“The international community must give new impetus to efforts aimed at reaching a political solution in Syria. It is a major mistake not to devote enough attention to this issue. I would like to take this opportunity to invite key actors to come together and re-energize the political process. For such joint efforts to yield meaningful results, it is imperative that calm on the ground be preserved. We are deeply concerned that the regime has intensified its ceasefire violations following the sham elections. Attacks carried out in June have taken a heavy civilian toll. We call on the regime and its backers to uphold the ceasefire. Attacks targeting civilians must stop. On 23 June, Turkish soldiers were wounded as a result of the regime’s attack in Idlib. We cannot and will not remain silent in the face of such attacks.”
2021-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8805 (2021) · source
“Al-Assad and his fellow criminals are ignoring the opposition and acting in contravention of the rules of procedure. This situation cannot simply be described as a standstill. Rather, it shows a dangerous trend of regression in terms of the work of the Constitutional Committee. The Security Council should stand against the regime’s tactics to avoid negotiating a genuine political solution. We have been urging the opposition to continue its constructive engagement despite all these difficulties and challenges. We still believe that the Constitutional Committee can make progress if the regime adopts a similar approach. It is important that the Astana process continues to function and should aim at contributing to the efforts towards achieving a political solution in Syria. The sixteenth meeting of Astana process is planned to be held soon.”
2021-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8805 (2021) · source
“Mr. Sinirlioğlu (Turkey): I would like to thank Special Envoy Pedersen for his briefing. I also thank Ms. Abeer Hussain for her remarks. As always, we actively support Mr. Pedersen’s efforts aimed at finding a political solution to the Syrian conflict, in line with resolution 2254 (2015). However, as Mr. Pedersen rightly pointed out in his briefing, the political process is not advancing. Despite his intense efforts over the last months, the sixth round of the Constitutional Committee has not been convened. Following the fake elections held last month in violation of United Nations resolutions, the regime is again trying to derail the Constitutional Committee. Deputy Special Envoy Matar has devoted sustained efforts to engage the regime in Damascus, but to no avail.”
2021-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8805 (2021) · source
“The Council must heed the Secretary-General’s advice and the joint appeal made by the Heads of United Nations agencies last week. I also refer the membership to the joint letter from a cross-regional group of countries addressed to the President of the Security Council yesterday. The world is watching. I urge the members of the Council to do what is right and preserve this indispensable mechanism for at least another 12 months, with additional crossing points. With regard to the hallucinatory statement made by the representative of the Syrian regime, I will repeat once again that I do not consider him to be 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. I will therefore not dignify his delusional accusations with a response.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“President, that one of the reasons the Council adopted resolution 2165 (2014) was the Syrian regime’s constant obstruction of the delivery of critical humanitarian supplies in many parts of the country. Reporting by the United Nations and several non-governmental organizations has detailed the conditions and highly restricted humanitarian space following the closure of the Al Yarubiyah crossing point in the north-east, an area that is supposed to be reached through cross- line access. Let me set the record straight once again: cross- line assistance can in no way replace cross-border operations, even if we are ready to be helpful in ensuring its application. That is a complementary modality — nothing more. There is no alternative to the cross-border modality, particularly in the north-west.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“There is no country or entity that has the capacity to emulate such a sophisticated system to monitor aid delivery. Those who consistently fabricate aid-diversion lies and advocate General Assembly resolution 46/182 must understand this point. In the absence of the mechanism, humanitarian operations will become less transparent, less accountable and less effective. They will therefore be in contradiction with that very same resolution. Please also keep in mind that the absence of the cross- border mechanism will undermine the prospects for a political solution, for it will not be possible to fully implement resolution 2254 (2015). Again today we heard from those who are promoting cross-line access only. I would remind you, Mr.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“Stopping the cross-border mechanism would simply permit the Syrian regime and terrorist organizations to increase their campaign of murder to an even greater scale. An immediate halt in the delivery of United Nations food assistance, critical medical supplies and other life-saving assistance would threaten the lives of the 4 million people who rely on us to keep them alive. Furthermore, without the cross-border mechanism, Syrians will not receive their vaccinations against the coronavirus disease. Without this mechanism, United Nations agencies will no longer have a mandate to assist non-governmental organizations on the ground and financially. Tell me, Mr. President, are you willing to allow the United Nations, as the largest actor in the humanitarian response in Syria, to disappear on your watch?”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“Like other countries in the region, we may be witnessing the adverse impacts of climate change on our water resources. As of May 2021, Keban dam, the upstream dam on the Euphrates River, which stands between our borders, has seen the second lowest dam lake level since the completion of its filling. However, despite this alarming hydrological and climatic reality, the average amount of water we released from the Euphrates downstream in the first half of the year has been over 500 cubic metres per second, which is our contractual obligation. We expect the United Nations to support downstream countries in addressing water challenges with better water management and agricultural practices.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“To put this into context, Al-Atareb and Al-Shifa hospitals were among the largest health-care facilities in the region, and their coordinates had been shared with relevant parties within the United Nations de-confliction mechanism. We strongly condemn these attacks and remind members of the Security Council that the Council is entrusted with the obligation to investigate these grave violations of international humanitarian law and hold perpetrators accountable. With regard to the humanitarian implications of the low water level in the Euphrates River, let me be clear: we attach great importance to needs on the ground, and we keep raising challenges to the water and electricity disruptions by the regime in Al-Bab and by the terrorist organization PKK/YPG in Allouk.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“Today, millions of vulnerable people in north-west Syria are still faced with collective punishment. They are struggling to survive in an active war zone. Their only hope for survival is aid delivered by the United Nations. With half of its population displaced, the entire country is in ruins. The Al-Assad regime, the terrorist organization Kurdistan Workers’ Party/ People’s Protection Units (PKK/YPG) and its Syrian offshoot, the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces, continue their systematic violations against civilians. In March, the Al-Assad regime attacked the Al-Atareb hospital. Just last week the Al-Shifa hospital in Afrin was targeted by PKK/YPG terrorists.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“The Al-Assad regime was ruthlessly killing its own people and deliberately targeting critical humanitarian infrastructure. Syrians fled their homeland at a rate of 8,000 to 14,000 per day. In response, the Security Council established a cross-border mechanism to ensure safe and sustained humanitarian access to the internally displaced people within Syria (resolution 2165 (2014)). The United Nations has assumed the leading role in providing aid to the most vulnerable Syrians through the most direct routes in the most rapid way. Al-Assad and his forces committed a series of war crimes and crimes against humanity, and, in the subsequent years, these criminals have only become more present and more shameless. The destructive war Al-Assad has waged against his own people has become increasingly brutal.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“Mr. Sinirlioğlu (Turkey): I thank the Secretary- General for his remarks. I also thank Acting Under- Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Ramesh Rajasingham, and Ms. Sherine Ibrahim of CARE for their briefings. We must heed their warnings that failing to extend the United Nations cross-border humanitarian mechanism in Syria will be most harmful. I also acknowledge the concern of the majority of Council members, who have recognized the critical need for the continuation of lifeline aid operations to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in Syria. Let us not forget the conditions that led the Security Council to authorize the United Nations cross-border humanitarian operations in 2014.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“We owe this to the victims of chemical attacks who had the courage to rise up to tyranny and express their legitimate demands for freedom, democracy and human dignity.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source
“The regime must fully and unconditionally cooperate with the OPCW without delay. It is our collective duty to strengthen the norm against the use of weapons of mass destruction. For the past nine years, the Al-Assad regime has waged a war against its own citizens, including children. Conventional weapons and chemical weapons have been used indiscriminately. The Security Council cannot afford to sit back and keep watching this tragedy. If we fail to act now, urgently and decisively, there is no guarantee that the regime will not use chemical weapons again, at the expense of the lives of innocent civilians. Particular responsibility falls on those who have influence on the Syrian regime in this regard. The Security Council must act in unity and enforce the implementation of its resolution 2118 (2013).”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source
“The efforts of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry are also valuable, as the Commission substantively contributes to investigating the use of chemical weapons in Syria. Last July, the Executive Council of the OPCW took an important decision, providing for the possibility of overcoming the current impasse caused by the gaps, inconsistencies and discrepancies stemming from the initial declaration of the regime. The decision sets a 90-day deadline for the regime to declare to the OPCW all of the chemical weapons it currently possesses. The regime has yet to positively respond. The Security Council should strongly urge the regime to fulfil its obligations. This is essential for the full implementation of resolution 2118 (2013). We cannot let the regime perpetuate the illusion that it possesses no chemical-weapon stockpiles.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source
“Turkey fully supported this decision. The first report of the Investigation and Identification Team in April 2020 concluded that the Syrian regime’s air force was the perpetrator of the three chemical-weapon attacks that took place in Ltamenah on 24, 25 and 30 March 2017. This is an important step towards ensuring that those responsible for the chemical-weapon attacks in Syria are held accountable for their crimes. To that end, we also fully support the continuation of the important cooperation between the OPCW secretariat and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source
“The United Nations-OPCW Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) confirmed the regime’s culpability for the chemical attacks in Talmenes in 2014, Sarmin and Qmenas in 2015, and Khan Shaykhun in 2017. Turkey fully supported the JIM’s efforts and regretted the politically motivated move by the regime’s backers that led to the non-renewal of its mandate at the end of 2017. With the occurrence of new chemical attacks in Syria, the need for a mechanism to identify the perpetrators continues to be evident. The OPCW’s Fact- Finding Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic reported the use of toxic chemicals in Ltamenah, in March 2017, and in Douma, in April 2018. The decision adopted in June 2018 at the Conference of the State Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention was a crucial step, as it established the Investigation and Identification Team.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source
“As I emphasized during the previous Council meeting on this issue, held in September (see S/2020/902), we have confidence in the professionalism, integrity and impartiality of the OPCW’s Technical Secretariat, Declaration and Assessment Team, Investigation and Identification Team and Fact-Finding Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic. Their efforts need to be fully supported, instead of hindered. The use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere and under any circumstance is unacceptable and constitutes a crime against humanity. Those responsible for these crimes should be brought to justice. A lack of response or inertia only encourages the Al-Assad regime to blatantly continue with its current course.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source