In the article, President Erdoğan recalled that the Turkish army intervened in the Syrian regime's positions last year to stop a new attack on Idlib, the last stronghold of the opposition in Syria, and to prevent the expulsion or killing of innocent people as well as saving millions of lives.
R.T. Erdoğan said that during this period, the countries that praised Turkey forgot about the humanitarian crisis in Syria, partly due to the coronavirus epidemic:
"The civil war returned to the status of 'old news' before the next crisis of conscience in the West. In these days when democracy, freedom and human rights are in vogue again, actions of humanity in Syria will be a measure of our sincerity. I believe that the restoration of peace and stability in the region depends on the West's sincere and strong support for Turkey".
President Erdoğan pointed out that in the 10th anniversary of the Syrian crisis, hundreds of thousands of people were killed and tortured and millions were expelled just for demanding democracy, freedom and human rights.
"The attempts of the Assad regime and its supporters to destroy these legitimate demands have had serious consequences, such as terrorism and irregular emigration. Although many countries intervened in the conflict in Syria for various reasons or excuses, they missed the starting point of the tragedy. As a result, one of the most important countries in the Middle East was left alone in the middle of a seemingly never-ending massacre. I can proudly say that Turkey's position has not changed since the beginning of the civil war in Syria. The Turkish nation believes that the establishment of a political system capable of representing all Syrians is very important for the restoration of peace and stability. We reject all plans that do not meet the basic human dignity requirements of the Syrian people. Because such options will deepen the crisis. At the same time, we emphasize that a peaceful solution is not possible without respect for Syria's territorial integrity and political unity".
Erdoğan said that the government of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) has built a strong alignement between words and deeds over the past 10 years:
"On the one hand, Turkey has provided shelter to millions of refugees, and on the other hand, it was the first country to use military force against terrorist organisations operating in Syria, especially ISIS. We have created security zones in areas cleared of terrorists; We took all necessary steps with patience and determination to rekindle hope there. Unfortunately, our local partners, the 'moderate opposition', have been the target of an organised smear campaign, despite their hard work and dedication in defeating ISIS and the PKK, another terrorist organisation. The security zones created by Turkey together with local elements are a proof of our commitment to the future of our neighbour. These regions have become both islands of peace and stability and self-sufficient ecosystems. We have implemented major projects such as the formation and training of law enforcement agencies, the improvement of infrastructure such as electricity and water, and the reopening of schools and hospitals".
He also said that Turkey has solved the long-standing asylum problem in the region by building shelters in Syria in accordance with the plan announced by the UN General Assembly in 2019.
"What we are doing reflects our values: Turkey supports our claim that it is the hope of the oppressed, the protector of the innocent and the key to the issue," he added.
Noting that the West has three options, President Erdoğan continued:
"The first option is to watch the events in Syria from the rostrum and kill more innocent people," he said.
"This approach will not only weaken the West's moral claims, but also undermine international security and Europe's political stability by creating new threats, such as terrorism and irregular migration. The second option is to make all the military, economic and diplomatic efforts required for a lasting solution. There is no reason to believe that Western leaders, who have not taken any serious steps for 10 years, have such an intention.
The last and most acceptable option is for the West to support Turkey and become part of the solution to the problem in Syria at minimum cost and maximum impact. Our specific expectations are clear here. The West needs to take an open stance against the YPG, which first attacks safe areas and supports a bloody regime. Instead, Syria's legitimate opposition needs to be supported and invested in peace and stability.
In addition, we call on Western countries to fulfill their responsibilities to end the humanitarian crisis. Failure to share Turkey's burden could lead to new waves of migration to Europe. Finally, we demand that the West invest in safe areas inside Syria and openly support this peace project. We have to show the world that Syria has an alternative to a democratic and prosperous future".
"Turkey has proved that it is the only country in Syria that can do what is necessary by leading humanitarian aid, taking the lead against terrorist organizations and actively contributing to the diplomatic process," Erdoğan said.
"The Biden administration must work with us to end the tragedy in Syria and defend democracy, in line with its campaign promises. The Turkish nation is ready to support any initiative that serves the interests of its Syrian neighbours and contributes to regional peace and stability," he concluded.
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