In Syria, while the Assad regime’s attacks on Idlib continue, the number of civilians moving towards the border with Turkey has reached 50 thousand. As the Syrian army is advancing towards the area and the observation points are located in this area, the rules of the agreement reached between Turkey, Iran and Russia within the Astana process have become obsolete. The emerging humanitarian problems have become a particular concern to Turkey as well as countries in the region and the EU. It is crucial to speed up international efforts to take control of the situation in the region and cooperate regarding measures for migration flows caused by the crisis in Idlib.

IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu made the following statement concerning the situation in Idlib:

“As a result of ongoing attacks on civilians in Idlib, the number of civilians fleeing the area and moving to the Turkish border has reached 40 thousand in the last 24 hours. Since the beginning of 2019, we know that approximately 1 million 300 thousand civilians have migrated to the area bordering Turkey. This also triggers a major humanitarian crisis. It will become worse with the advance of the Syrian army. The issue was also discussed by German Chancellor Merkel and President Erdoğan in the context of Merkel’s visit to Turkey. Taking control of the situation in Idlib, the cessation of hostilities and the situation of civilians are issues that should be dealt with together by Turkey and the EU in particularly Germany.  With the loss of momentum in the Astana and Sochi processes, the Geneva process, which will ensure peace in Syria, may come to the agenda again. Here, Turkey-EU cooperation will play an essential role.”

IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu also made the following comments on the humanitarian crisis caused by civilians fleeing Idlib:

“One of the major issues is the situation of thousands of refugees coming to the Turkey’s borders. It is of utmost importance for the EU to address the issue in order to ensure the security of these refugees. Turkey continues to host 3 million 600 thousand Syrian refugees. While some of these refugees will be returning to Syria, studies show that the vast majority will remain. The continuation of the Turkey-EU statement in the coming period is extremely important to ensure the security and humanitarian needs of refugees. This problem requires Turkey and the EU to work together. In the process of resolving the Syrian issue, the EU also has an important role to play in coordinating international efforts to put leverage on both the Assad regime and Russia which is supporting the regime.”