Minister Güler's statement: 'Returns are not at the desired level' - Assessment on Syrian refugees

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler made assessments regarding the general situation in Syria and the border region at the Parliament. 

According to the report by Ünsal Ergel from Gerçek Gündem, Minister Güler stated, "We are closely following the developments in Syria. The new administration is taking significant steps with the positive messages it continuously announces." Meanwhile, regarding the returns of Syrians, Minister Güler used the expression, "It is not yet at the desired level."

Minister Güler made the following statements:

"We are closely following the developments in Syria. The new administration is taking very important steps in terms of establishing relations with the world through the positive messages it continuously announces. Today, they have begun to establish direct relations with countries including the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and the United States. These are developments in favor of the new administration.

They are also clearly stating that they have begun to work with the public through the positive messages they have given to society for Syria and that they will continue to do so; however, YPG/PKK elements in the Ayn al-Arab region are currently resisting leaving the area. They carried out a number of actions in the Hasakah region today.

The new administration is specifically urging them to leave Raqqa and Tabqa and to lay down their arms. We hope that they will be able to reach these agreements among themselves.

We believe that they will leave these areas, including the Ayn al-Arab border, by laying down their arms, including heavy weapons, and surrendering them to the administration, and that they will depart from here without disturbing the citizens there and without putting them in a situation where they would be harmed in the face of larger conflicts.

"NOT YET AT THE DESIRED LEVEL"

Syrian citizens living in our country have also begun to continue their activities regarding departures from these areas, including through newly opened gates. Although it is not yet at the desired level, we believe that within the scope of the arrangements to be made in the future, our Syrian citizens will return to their own lands and homes in a dignified and safe manner. That is all I have to say regarding Syria for now."

News Source: 12punto