Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ahmet Yildiz, recently spoke out against Israel’s ongoing attacks on Syria. He emphasized that these actions undermine Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while expressing support for the United States’ decision to remove Syria from its list of nations identified as state sponsors of terrorism.
Concerns Over Israel’s Aggression
During a UN Security Council meeting addressing Middle Eastern developments, Yildiz highlighted Syria’s progress toward stabilization despite facing numerous challenges. He acknowledged advancements made by Syria’s People’s Assembly toward functioning as a fully operational legislative body. Furthermore, he referenced the improvements in the judicial processes related to transitional justice and accountability, noting their importance in consolidating public trust in governmental institutions.
Yildiz praised the recent visit by Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and commended the Syrian government for its willingness to cooperate. He described the U.S. decision to remove Syria from the terrorism list as a constructive step and congratulated the Syrian authorities and citizens. Yildiz argued that this change would boost Syria’s economic recovery and contribute to its reconstruction. Additionally, he suggested it would enhance the nation’s standing in the global community, fostering long-lasting security and stability.
Call for Restraint
Despite these positive developments, Yildiz warned that Israel’s actions are jeopardizing Syria’s progress. He cited recent airstrikes, particularly targeting the Abu al-Duhur airbase, as clear examples of such destabilizing behavior. He vehemently condemned Israel’s continued attacks on Syria’s infrastructure, emphasizing that such actions constitute blatant violations of Syria’s sovereignty. Yildiz insisted that Israel’s aggression not only adversely affects civilian life but also poses broader threats to regional stability.
He reiterated Türkiye’s demand for Israel to adhere to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement and called for an end to further escalations or encroachments on Syrian territory. Yildiz urged the international community, particularly the Security Council, to employ all possible measures to halt Israeli aggression and its occupation of Syrian lands.
Türkiye’s Role in the Region
Yildiz also addressed Türkiye’s military cooperation with Syria, emphasizing that such efforts are conducted with the consent of the Syrian government. He asserted that Türkiye’s military operations are not aimed at threatening any other nations and are solely focused on enhancing security within Syria. He cautioned that any attempts to disrupt these efforts could create favorable conditions for the resurgence of terrorist organizations such as ISIS (Daesh).
Concluding his remarks, Yildiz affirmed that Türkiye’s relations with its regional neighbors are anchored by a commitment to stability, security, and prosperity. He stressed that these principles are vital for Türkiye’s own national interests, as well as for regional and international peace. As the situation continues to evolve, Yildiz’s statements highlight the intricate interplay of cooperation, aggression, and diplomacy in the Middle Eastern landscape.