Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Press Release Regarding the Resolution on the Situation in Syria Adopted by the UN General Assembly
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- Published on Tuesday, 21 February 2012 09:22
PNN
Following the gradual escalation of the crisis unfolding in Syria since March 2011 which has acquired a grave dimension threatening international peace and security, the resolution submitted to the UN General Assembly by the co-sponsorship of 70 countries, including Turkey, was adopted on 16 February with 137 votes in favour. The support lent to this resolution by such an overwhelming majority constitutes the clearest indication that the conscience of the international community will no longer remain indifferent to the bloodshed and tears in Syria.
This resolution has once again demonstrated, at this juncture, that the Syrian regime has lost its legitimacy in the eyes of the international community . We wish that this decision would contribute, without any need for further measures, to putting an end to the bloodshed and to opening up of the way for the political transition process as soon as possible, in accordance with the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.
The resolution adopted by the General Assembly is based on the elements of the League of Arab States' initiative announced on 2 November 2011, the roadmap for political transition put forward in the Leagues's decision dated 22 January 2012 and its decisions of 12 February 2012, with a view to overcoming the crisis in Syria. The resolution reaffirms the support of the international community to the implementation of these elements.
In this context, it calls on the Syrian regime to stop all violence and use of force against the civilian population, release all those arbitrarily detained during the events unfolding since last March, withdraw all military forces from cities and other residential areas, guarantee the freedom of peaceful demonstrations and allow unhindered access for Arab League monitors as well as Arab and international media representatives.
Furthermore, the resolution also expresses support primarily to the commencement of a credible political dialogue process with a view to addressing the legitimate aspirations of the people, between the Syrian Administration and the opposition, under the auspices of the League of Arab States and in accordance with the timetable set out by the League, and thus to the initiation of the political transition aimed at establishing a democratic and pluralistic political system.
The resolution also draws attention to the importance of the support of the United Nations Secretary-General and all relevant United Nations bodies providing to the efforts of the League of Arab States through the appointment of a Special Envoy and the provision of technical and material assistance, and it calls on the Syrian administration to allow safe and unhindered access of humanitarian assistance into the country.
We expect the Syrian Administration to comprehend the strong message given by the international community through this resolution and to promptly fulfill its requirements. In this context, the Syrian Administration must first and foremost bring an immediate end to its atrocities and violence against the civilian population and cooperate with the international community in order to overcome the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the country.
As she has done so resolutely up until now, Turkey will continue to support the aspirations of the Syrian people for democracy, human rights and freedom.
