Speaking during a United Nations Security Council discussion on the latest developments in the Middle East, Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ahmet Yıldız, condemned Israel’s attacks on Syria.
Yıldız said the attacks violated Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said that Syria was moving toward stability despite the challenges it faces and assessed the country’s stabilization process.
Support for political and legal progress in Syria
Yıldız welcomed the progress made by Syria’s People’s Assembly toward becoming a fully functioning legislative institution. He highlighted the importance of recent developments in judicial proceedings as part of transitional justice and accountability.
Yıldız said maintaining momentum in these areas was necessary to strengthen public confidence in state institutions and advance an inclusive political process. He also welcomed the International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi’s recent visit to Syria and said they appreciated the Syrian government’s cooperation with the agency.
Welcome for the US decision on Syria’s designation
Ahmet Yıldız welcomed the US decision to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. Yıldız said they appreciated the US administration’s constructive approach and congratulated the Syrian government and people.
Yıldız said the decision would accelerate Syria’s economic recovery and reconstruction. He said the development would strengthen Syria’s position in the international community and contribute to lasting security and stability.
Call for Israel to end its attacks in Syria
Yıldız argued that Israel had disrupted the positive process toward stability through destabilizing actions and cited the recent airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur air base as an example. He condemned attacks targeting Syria’s infrastructure and capabilities.
Yıldız said Israel must end its attacks that clearly violate Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He reiterated his call for Israel to fully comply with the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, avoid further escalating tensions and reverse its violations on Syrian territory.
Yıldız said the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, should use all available means to end Israel’s attacks on Syria and its occupation of Syrian territory.
Türkiye’s military cooperation with Syria
Yıldız also addressed Türkiye’s military cooperation with Syria, saying Ankara’s activities in Syria were conducted with the approval of the Syrian government. He said these activities were not directed against any third country and did not pose a threat to third countries.
Yıldız warned that preventing Syria from developing its security capabilities could create conditions conducive to terrorist organizations such as Daesh regaining strength.
Yıldız said Türkiye’s relations with the countries of the region were based on the goals of stability, security and prosperity, adding that these elements were of fundamental importance to Türkiye’s national, regional and international security.
