Deputy FM urges UN to back Syria's efforts for calm

WASHINGTON

A senior Turkish official has 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.

“From now on, it is important to ensure continued de-escalation and Israeli non-aggression, support for the Syrian government's efforts to restore calm in Sweida and to prevent civilian casualties,” Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yılmaz told the U.N. Security Council on July 28 during a meeting on Syria.

Yılmaz said the recent violence in Sweida between Bedouin forces and some Druze groups was worsened by Israeli attacks targeting Syrian military positions and infrastructure, including in the capital Damascus.

“Israel's disregard for law, order and state sovereignty reached new heights with its recent attacks on the presidential complex and the Defense Ministry. The situation has partially improved as a result of our collective efforts with the U.S. and some other countries,” he added.

He warned that “some elements within Syria might be inclined to draw wrong lessons” from the recent clashes in Sweida, adding that Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are “certainly one of them.”

“No one should be encouraged to abuse certain hiccups to drag the country towards disunity and disintegration,” he said.

On March 10, the Syrian presidency announced the signing of an agreement for the integration of the SDF into state institutions.

The meeting at the Security Council came weeks after violent clashes broke out on July 13 between Bedouin tribes and Druze groups in Sweida. Israel used the violence as an excuse to attack various sites in Syria. A ceasefire was announced on July 19.

Yılmaz said the situation in Sweida had “partially improved” as a result of “collective” diplomatic efforts involving the U.S. and other countries.

He called for solidarity with Damascus to help hold accountable those responsible for triggering violence and to sustain humanitarian assistance during what he called a “very difficult and delicate process.”

He also welcomed what he called “remarkable progress” in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime in last December. He said the Syrian leadership has shown a commitment to “an inclusive political transition and national reconciliation under the new Syrian ownership” and has taken steps to bring together all segments of society on the basis of equal citizenship.

Since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Syria’s new administration has launched economic and political reforms and intensified efforts to build partnerships with regional and international players.