Türkiye hails Syria’s rapid transition, urges global support and end to sanctions
Permanent Representative of Türkiye to the United Nations, Ahmet Yildiz speaks at a U.N. Security Council meeting on the Middle East at the U.N. Headquarters in New York, U.S. on April 25, 2025. (AA Photo)
Türkiye’s United Natins envoy Ahmet Yildiz on Friday said Syria has made “noteworthy progress” since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, urging the international community to support the country’s political transition and reconstruction process.
Speaking at a U.N. Security Council meeting on Syria, Yildiz highlighted what he described as rapid achievements by the new administration: “In just four months, the administration has achieved what many once deemed unthinkable: the successful convening of the National Dialogue Conference, the announcement of a Constitutional Declaration, and the formation of a technocratic Transitional Government.”
“These milestones mark a clear and promising path toward a Syrian-owned, Syrian-led political transition that aligns with the aspirations of the Syrian people,” he said.
Call for global engagement and sanctions relief
Yildiz stressed that sustaining this progress will require stronger global support: “We, therefore, call on the international community to actively support reconstruction efforts and, critically, to lift sanctions without delay.”
He also condemned Israel’s continued military actions in Syria, describing them as violations of sovereignty: “These acts violate Syrian sovereignty and pose a serious threat to regional peace and security. We unequivocally condemn these attacks and urge this Council to take immediate and resolute action to prevent further escalation.”
Firm position against terror groups
Addressing security concerns, Yildiz reaffirmed Türkiye’s position against terrorist organizations: “The future of Syria must not be held hostage by terrorist entities. Organizations such as Daesh and PKK/YPG/the so-called SDF must not be allowed to take any role in the country’s future.”
He concluded by underscoring Türkiye’s commitment to Syria’s transition: “Türkiye remains firmly committed to supporting the Syrian people in overcoming the challenges of this new chapter.”
PKK/YPG is a group designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the European Union. The PKK’s Syrian offshoot, the YPG, plays a dominant role in the SDF.
The PKK has waged a four-decade terror campaign against Türkiye, claiming the lives of more than 40,000 people, including women and children.
