Türkiye’s deputy UN ambassador warns of Syria’s continued instability

Asli Guven, Türkiye’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, warned that without a national reconciliation process, Syria risks becoming trapped in a cycle of instability and suffering.

In her remarks during a special session of the UN Security Council addressing the ongoing situation in Aleppo and its surrounding areas, Guven stressed that the roots of Syria’s ongoing violence stem from the unmet legitimate demands of the Syrian people.

“Syria will remain stuck in a cycle of instability and suffering without a true national reconciliation process,” Guven said, adding that the continuing violence is primarily driven by these unresolved grievances.

Guven also highlighted the worsening situation in the region, citing ongoing Israeli attacks as a complicating factor in the fragile environment. She urged that the current violent cycle must not destabilize Syria further, and emphasized Türkiye’s efforts to reduce tensions through diplomatic channels.

In her address, Guven underscored Türkiye’s leading role in initiating the Astana Process, a diplomatic effort aimed at de-escalating conflict on the ground. She noted that the process has helped pause the activities of terrorist groups that have exacerbated the region’s instability and has led to the establishment of a ceasefire.

“This process has also created space for confidence-building measures between the Syrian government and the opposition. Unfortunately, this opportunity has not been fully utilized,” she remarked.

Guven also raised concerns about the potential for further fragmentation of Syria, particularly the possibility of the PKK/YPG strengthening its position in northeastern Syria under the guise of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

“ISIS’s resurgence remains a serious possibility,” Guven warned, emphasizing the need to avoid the mistake of fighting one terrorist group with another. She also reaffirmed Türkiye’s position regarding the PKK/YPG, asserting that these groups are neither Syrian nor democratic but are instead extensions of the PKK itself.

Responding to claims about Türkiye’s position on recent military operations, Guven reiterated that Türkiye has neither supported nor consented to the ongoing operations, further distancing Ankara from any direct involvement in the actions taken by other parties.

Guven concluded by stressing that Syria’s threat of further fragmentation remains high, and that Türkiye will continue to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, people, and interests in the face of this ongoing instability.