Hoping for safe return of Syrian refugees: Turkish Parliament Speaker
A demonstrator holds a Syrian opposition flag as members of the Syrian community chant slogans in Syntagma square in Athens to celebrate the end of the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad after rebel fighters took control of the Syrian capital Damascus overnight, on December 8, 2024. - Islamist-led rebels toppled Syria's longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in a lightning offensive that a UN envoy called "a watershed moment" for the nation marred by civil war. (Photo by Angelos TZORTZINIS / AFP)
The Speaker of the Turkish Parliament Numan Kurtulmus, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc, and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made candid remarks regarding the return of 3 million Syrians living in Türkiye following Syria’s liberation by the opposition.
They emphasized the necessity of building a Syria that encapsulates its diverse population, to not seek revenge on the Assad regime, to rid Syria of terrorist activity and ensure the safe, voluntary return of Syrians living in Türkiye and other places.
Kurtulmus: ‘Syria belongs to the Syrians’
Speaker Kurtulmus stated on Monday, “We would like Syrian refugees to return to their homeland”, yet “caution should be exercised against provocations by some terrorist groups in order to prevent their voluntary return.”
He further emphasized that “Syria belongs to the Syrians.”
Tunc: ‘Our Syrian brothers and sisters should live freely and safely in their own lands’
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc commented on Sunday, “Our Syrian brothers and sisters should live freely and safely in their own lands.”
“It is our fundamental desire to put an end to the internal turmoil and conflicts in the region as soon as possible in order to restore stability in the country”
Tunc stated, “Türkiye has embraced the oppressed people of Syria, where the civil war has been going on for years, struggled for the survival of innocent people, and made all kinds of diplomatic efforts in the international arena for the stability of the region.”
Partially hinting at Türkiye potentially helping capacity-building measures, Tunc stated, “The new administration that will be formed in Syria should work for the national unity, territorial integrity, stability and welfare of the country without marginalizing anyone.”
Fidan: ‘Syrians can return to their country’
Fidan also remarked on Sunday, “The regime has failed to address very important issues. State institutions have failed to respond to the needs of the Syrian people. They were unable to perform basic services. Half the population was displaced both inside and outside the country.”
Regarding the returns, he stated, “Millions of Syrians who were forced to leave their country can now return. The new administration needs to be set up in an orderly manner.”
“The principle of inclusivity should never be compromised and the goal of recent should not be pursued.”
“We are in touch with all actors in the region and outside the region to act carefully and calmly. It is necessary not to lead the region to further instability,” he added.
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