New york: A senior Turkish official on Monday called for sustained de-escalation and an end to Israeli military attacks in Syria, stressing the need to support Damascus' efforts to stabilize the war-torn country.
According to Anadolu Agency, Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz addressed the UN Security Council during a meeting on Syria, urging for continued de-escalation and Israeli non-aggression. He emphasized the importance of supporting the Syrian government's efforts to restore calm in Suwayda and prevent civilian casualties. Yilmaz highlighted that violence in Suwayda, exacerbated by Israeli attacks on Syrian military positions and infrastructure, had worsened the situation.
Yilmaz criticized Israel's recent actions, including attacks on the presidential complex and the Defense Ministry, as a violation of law, order, and state sovereignty. He noted that the situation had partially improved due to collective efforts with the US and other countries.
The Deputy Foreign Minister also issued a warning to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), cautioning against exploiting the recent clashes in Suwayda to incite disunity and disintegration within Syria. He mentioned the March 10 agreement for the integration of the SDF into state institutions as a step towards stabilization.
The UN Security Council meeting followed violent clashes between Bedouin Arab tribes and armed Druze groups in Suwayda on July 13, which Israel used as a pretext for its attacks. A ceasefire was announced on July 19, leading to a partial improvement in the situation in Suwayda through diplomatic efforts involving the US and other nations. Yilmaz called for solidarity with Damascus to hold accountable those responsible for the violence and to sustain humanitarian assistance during the challenging transition process.
He expressed optimism about Syria's progress since the fall of the Assad regime, highlighting the new leadership's commitment to an inclusive political transition and national reconciliation. Since Bashar al-Assad's ouster in late 2024, Syria's new administration has initiated economic and political reforms, aiming to establish partnerships with regional and international players. Assad, who led Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in December, marking the end of the Baath Party's long-standing rule. A transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa took charge in January.