Reports from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or similar organizations

Turkey's FM Says Assad Likely Outside Syria; Millions of Syrians Can Return

Dec 8, 2024, 10:15 AM

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, speaking at the Doha Forum 2024 in Qatar, commented on the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria. Fidan stated that the Syrian people will reshape their country's future and called on the international community to support them. He emphasized that millions of Syrians who were forced to leave can now return home. Fidan stressed the importance of establishing a new administration in an orderly manner without a desire for revenge. He urged all Syrian opposition groups to unite and form an inclusive administration. Fidan also mentioned that Turkey attaches great importance to Syria's national unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and is ready to use all its capacities to work with the new administration to rebuild the country together with its neighbors. When asked about Assad's whereabouts, Fidan said they do not know where he is and that he is probably outside Syria. He called on all regional and international actors to act carefully and calmly during the transition period.