Türkiye’s UN Envoy Warns of “Untenable” Syria, Urges Political and Refugee Solutions

New York, The Gulf Observer: Türkiye’s envoy to the United Nations, Ahmet Yildiz, has raised alarm over the deteriorating situation in Syria, describing it as “untenable” after more than 13 years of conflict.

“The overall situation in Syria has become untenable with worsening economic, security, and humanitarian conditions,” Yildiz stated at a UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday, emphasizing that the “status quo cannot continue.”

Yildiz called for a shift in the Syrian regime’s approach to foster national consensus and urged the international community to refocus on Syria. He stressed that all parties should take “genuine steps” towards a lasting settlement in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

“The root causes of the conflict in Syria are political. Therefore, revitalization of the political process with meaningful participation of the opposition as an indispensable part of forging a national consensus is key,” he added.

A comprehensive settlement of the Syrian conflict also necessitates progress in creating conditions for the “voluntary, safe, and dignified” return of Syrian refugees. Yildiz warned that without a national reconciliation process involving millions of Syrians, the country will remain susceptible to ongoing conflict. Addressing the threat of terrorist organizations in Syria, Yildiz highlighted their role as the “most significant threat” to the country’s territorial integrity and unity.

“The PKK/YPG/SDF terrorist organization’s attempt to organize so-called local elections in northeast Syria is a clear manifestation of separatist terrorism,” he noted.

Yildiz assured that Türkiye is prepared to support initiatives for a viable political solution to the Syrian conflict and will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and UN agencies to address the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people.

Responding to criticisms from the Syrian envoy regarding Türkiye’s treatment of Syrian refugees, Yildiz asserted that the Syrian regime is disconnected from the realities on the ground.

“They are the last to preach to Türkiye on this issue. Türkiye has established gold standards around the world on how to deal with refugees, how to help neighbors, and how to be a constructive actor in many international issues, including Syria,” he emphasized.

Syria has been engulfed in a brutal civil war since early 2011, following the Assad regime’s harsh crackdown on pro-democracy protests.