The Turkish Govt emphasized the importance of the safe return of the 3 million Syrian refugees who fled to Türkiye due to recent events occurring in Syria. According to the Speaker of the Turkish Parliament, Numan Kurtulmus, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc, and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, it is necessary for the voluntary and peaceful return of the Syrians after the fall of Syria’s Baath party regime. The rebuilding of Syria must be done in such a manner that it will accommodate its diverse population without looking for revenge against the Assad regime and eliminating terrorist elements.
On Monday, Numan Kurtulmus emphasized the requisite caution when posturing towards returning Syrians, especially now, when there is potential provocation from terrorist groups. He told this reporter: “We would like Syrian refugees to return to their homeland,” cautioning, however, that there will be interference from groups that could destabilize the situation. “Syria belongs to the Syrians,” he added, emphasizing that the future of the country should be determined by its own people.
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Such sentiments were echoed by Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc with calls on Sunday for a stable and safe environment in which Syrians would have a chance to return. He declared that it is the mission of Türkiye to see to it that the internal conflict in Syria comes to a close as soon as possible to get back political stability. This was also a message to highlight Türkiye’s role in helping the Syrian people endure civil war, as the country tries to offer aid and advocate for regional stability.
Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, touched on this matter as well and claimed the reason for the massive displacements is because the Syrian regime has not provided basic necessities for its people. The minister added, “The regime did not tackle important aspects. State institutions have not responded to the needs of the Syrian people. Half of the population is displaced inside and outside the country.” But Fidan has a hopeful outlook on this situation by saying, “Now millions of Syrians who had to leave their country can return. The new administration needs to be set up in an orderly manner.” He added that the repatriation process should bring all and sundry in, condemning things that could lead to increased instability in the area.
As the Syrian civil war steps into another phase after the demise of the Assad regime, many Syrians who claimed asylum in Türkiye have started to return. On Monday, many Syrians came for repatriation voluntarily at the Cilvegözü Border Gate in Hatay, which is a southeastern province of Türkiye. For most Syrians, it is the end of a long exile. Many returning Syrian people expressed gratitude to Türkiye for its hospitality and for making it easier for them to stay there.