Political process, territorial integrity key to resolving Syria's 13-year conflict: Türkiye

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - The only path to resolving Syria's 13-year conflict is through a governance system that represents all Syrians while preserving the country's territorial integrity, Türkiye's Ambassador to the UN Ahmet Yildiz said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East, Yildiz presented Türkiye's vision for ending the Syrian crisis, which has plunged the region into what he described as "grave and complicated turmoil."

"The only permanent solution lies in a Syria governed by the will of all Syrians, with its territorial integrity and unity preserved," Yildiz stated, emphasizing the need for a political process.

The ambassador stressed that all parties should outline priorities for a durable settlement and work to end the "spiral of regional violence."

Revitalizing the political process through the Constitutional Committee, facilitating safe refugee returns, combating "separatist terrorism," and ensuring continuous humanitarian aid delivery are key components, Yildiz emphasized.

The Constitutional Committee is an agreement between the Syrian government and the opposition Syrian Negotiations Commission to support a Syrian-led political process.

- Terrorism as threat to unity

Yildiz expressed concern over recent events in Deir ez-Zor in eastern Syria and criticized support for the terrorist PKK/YPG/SDF, which he said threatens Syria's unity.

He highlighted that these terrorist groups oppress the local population and restrict their access to essential food supplies and drinking water.

Yildiz pointed out that the PKK and its offshoot, the so-called SDF, under the guise of fighting Daesh, are focused on their separatist agenda, as demonstrated by their so-called “social contract” and “local election” attempts.

Addressing the humanitarian crisis, the Turkish envoy advocated for needs-based, predictable cross-border access for aid delivery. He urged the international community to maintain funding levels and fulfill pledges promptly.

"We need a recalibrated focus from the international community with broader coordination and a holistic approach for Syria," Yildiz concluded, emphasizing that steps toward genuine national reconciliation, in line with the expectations of all Syrians, are crucial for resolving the conflict.