Main opposition party criticizes government’s Syria policy amid escalating tensions in Türkiye

The main opposition party, CHP, pointed to the government’s Syria policy on Tuesday as the cause of ongoing tensions in various provinces, including Istanbul, Gaziantep, Hatay, and Antalya. The unrest initially erupted in Kayseri’s Melikgazi district following an incident where a Syrian refugee allegedly assaulted a 7-year-old child, leading to widespread protests against refugees.

Main Opposition Party CHP’s Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Basarir condemned recent attacks on Turkish flags in northern Syria, describing the incidents as “unacceptable” and carried out by “dark hands and groups.”

He called for the resignation of the governor of Kayseri following comments about a Syrian child involved in a local incident, stressing that the nationality of an abused child should never be questioned. Başarir urged calm among citizens while condemning the governor’s remarks as disgraceful.

In response to these events, CHP leader Ozgur Ozel emphasized that the responsibility lies with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The CHP stated through social media that the government’s policies regarding Syria and refugees have collapsed, listing ten key points in their critique:

1. Türkiye’s Middle East policy, including its approach to Syria and refugees, has failed.
2. Erdoğan and the ruling AKP are primarily responsible for the current dire situation.
3. The government has not only failed to resolve the crisis it caused in Syria but has also trapped Türkiye in this crisis.
4. Erdoğan’s policies have contributed to Syria’s destruction and turned Türkiye into a refugee depot while using these people’s lives as bargaining chips with Europe.
5. The government has ignored the growing societal, political, economic, and demographic problems caused by the increasing number of refugees and has not taken any steps to solve these issues.
6. Türkiye must adhere not only in principle but also in practice to the Atatürk-era policy of non-interference in neighbors’ internal affairs.
7. Türkiye should redefine its Syria policy, recognizing that the current status quo is unsustainable. It is unacceptable for members of the Free Syrian Army, funded by Türkiye, to burn Turkish flags and damage Turkish property.
8. The Erdoğan government must immediately publish a realistic and feasible roadmap to solve the refugee problem, including the repatriation of refugees.
9. The process of normalizing relations with the Assad regime should continue.
10. Citizens are urged to remain calm and vigilant against potential provocations in such environments.

As tensions continue to rise, with attacks on Turkish assets and provocations against security forces in northern Syria, the CHP’s call for a comprehensive and practical approach to the crisis is more pressing than ever