Erdoğan's statement on 'Syrians': Will they return?

President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made remarks at the "World Human Rights Day: The Face of Brotherhood Program" in Ankara.

THE POST-ASSAD ERA IN SYRIA

Highlights from Erdoğan's remarks are as follows:

"I send my greetings to my brothers and sisters in our region and in different corners of the world who have pinned their hopes on Turkey. I convey my greetings, love, and deepest affection to our Syrian brothers and sisters who have attained their freedom after 61 years of oppression and tyranny.

"WE HAVE WITNESSED VERY SEVERE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS"

We have witnessed very severe human rights violations in different regions. While the most brutal atrocities in history were taking place in our neighbor Syria, no voice was heard from those who pose as human rights advocates when it suits them. On the night of July 15, 252 of our people were treacherously martyred by the traitorous FETÖ members. The murderers who slaughtered the innocent were protected by Western countries. Those who undermine the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the most are the ones who claim to champion it in the world. Despite all rhetoric to the contrary, at its core, a definition of human rights is being made that is narrowed down by color, origin, and belief. At the point we have reached, human rights are perceived only as privileged rights applied to a certain region of the world and a certain human population.

"WE DID NOT ASK THOSE WHO CAME TO OUR DOOR IF THEY WERE TURKISH, ARAB, OR KURDISH"

Turkey is a compassionate and merciful country that has been a sanctuary for the oppressed for centuries. We did not ask those who came to our door whether they were Turkish, Arab, or Kurdish. We did not ask those who sought our help whether they were Muslim, Jewish, or Christian. We did not ask those who took refuge in Turkey whether they were white or black. Without looking at the identity of those in need, and without caring about their faith, we opened not only the doors of our country but also the doors of our hearts wide open. We never left our brothers and sisters alone, both in the Gaza tragedy and in the Syrian crisis. Syria is at the forefront of the places where we, as a country and a nation, have successfully passed the test of humanity. Our stance is clear. Turkey has always approached the Syrian crisis with a conscience-focused perspective. We continued to do what was necessary for our humanity and our neighborliness during difficult times.

"WE HOSTED SYRIANS FOR 13 YEARS"

We hosted Syrian refugees in the best possible way for 13 years. We are the Ansar (helpers). We said that whatever a refugee does, we are obliged to do the same. We said this despite the main opposition in this country that said, 'We will kick you out.' There were those who wanted to poison this process. The former chairman of the CHP tried to incite our nation with hate speech. They resorted to methods that do not befit our faith just to get three or five more votes in the election. In the end, conscience, humanity, compassion, and solidarity won.

"THE PATH TO PEACE IN SYRIA HAS OPENED"

When we look at centers of torture and death like the Sednaya prison, it is understood much better today what a dire catastrophe was averted. With the end of the blood-stained Baath regime, hopefully, the doors to the path leading to peace and security in Syria have been opened. As the environment of peace takes root in Syria, the number of voluntary returns will increase over time.

TARGETING THE CHP: RESPONSE TO 'DICTATOR'

We see that the CHP and some fascist groups are trying to sabotage this positive climate. The CHP's fueling of refugee hostility is a document of shame for this political party. My advice to the CHP and its supporters is that if they want to see who a dictator is, they should watch the prison footage coming from Syria. Behind the moves aimed at strengthening our internal front, there is our desire to keep Turkey away from threats and dangers in our region."

News Source: 12punto