Erdogan asks UN assistance to settle Syrian refugees
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press)— In his speech at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called upon the United Nations to help his country to return Turkey-based Syrian refugees to northern Syria.
Turkey has hosted 4 million Syrian refugees since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, Erdogan said. During his speech, the Turkish leader held up a photo of dead Syrian refugee children to emphasize the need for continued support from the UN.
He said that the UN needs to be more inclusive and the Security Council should be more functional.
On May 3, Erdogan announced a plan to encourage the return of 1 million Syrian refugees to 13 areas occupied by Turkey in northern Syria. “It will cover all needs of daily life, from housing to schools and hospitals, as well as a self-sufficient economic infrastructure from agriculture to industry,” Erdogan said.
“We expect everyone to make the necessary effort and show solidarity regarding the housing project that we will implement in Syria,” Erdogan said.
In September 2019, Erdogan presented a plan at the UN General Assembly to move 2 million Syrian refugees to settlements in northern Syria, but he failed to muster international support.
On May 6, Turkish Interior Minister Suleiman Soylu revealed Turkey’s intention to build about 250,000 housing units in northern Syria, as part of his country’s plan to resettle Turkey-based Syrian refugees.
Erdogan’s efforts come as he struggles to gain support ahead of the presidential elections, due in June 2023, in light of the unprecedented inflation levels and the prevailing anti-Syrian refugee stance in the country.