Erdogan: Israel Will Eventually Learn That International Law Applies to Them Too

Forex - President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Israel will learn sooner or later that international law binds them as well. President Erdoğan responded to journalists' questions on the plane returning from his visit to Egypt.

Expressing that the hopes of the PKK/YPG have been dashed, Erdoğan said, "Asad's expectations were different, but they did not materialize. A new picture has emerged. Asad being in Russia right now is proof of how meaningful this development is. In the upcoming process, our brothers in Syria will make their own decisions about their future. We will try to assist them on how their state structure should be. We will help the Syrian administration on how our experiences can be transferred, how a state can be established within the framework of a new social contract."

Erdoğan continued, "One of the most important steps in establishing a state is the construction of the constitution. In this regard, we have initiated communication with those in the new Syrian administration, especially with Mr. Colani. As you know, we sent our National Intelligence Organization President. Our Foreign Minister has already been in dialogue with all relevant parties from the very beginning. We will also demonstrate that the time has come to neutralize the existing terrorist organizations in Syria. We will do this to prevent any threats from coming from the south of our borders. Because we cannot accept such a risk. The sole purpose of the terrorist organization is to please the centers they serve, which is why they are doomed to be isolated. This was the case yesterday, and it is the case today… However, they will have no future. The end of the road is visible for the terrorist organization. For years, they have shed blood in our region. They have made life miserable for many, especially our Kurdish brothers, as well as Turks, Arabs, Yazidis, and many others. There is no place for terrorists in the future of the region. Especially the PKK terrorist organization and its offshoots have exhausted their shelf life. The secured environment in Syria will also prevent the militant recruitment of terrorist organizations. From now on, the paths to establishing peace and tranquility in our region are open. Some political parties in our country used to make different statements regarding relations with Syria until recently. It seems they are no longer in a position to say the same things. Their hopes have also been dashed. If Syria establishes a truly stable structure with this new formation, it will, in my opinion, hold a very strong place in the Islamic world. Today, a Syria with a population of over 30 million cannot be ignored. The meetings we will have with the United States after Mr. Donald Trump takes office will be very important. The Russians say they do not consider closing their embassy and consulate in Syria. This, in my view, is a wealth for Syria. There is benefit in the continuation of diplomatic missions. One of the things that makes me the happiest is that many countries from both the Islamic world and the West are now developing their contacts with Mr. Colani. These are signs of trust in the new administration. In the new era, Syria will rise in a much different way, God willing."

• Israel Will Learn That International Law Binds Them - President Erdoğan stated, "Israel has made a habit of violating international law." He expressed, "They trampled on international law in Gaza, and the world remained silent. They invaded the territory of a sovereign state in Lebanon and spilled blood, and again, the world remained silent. Today, Syria is subjected to Israel's recklessness."

Erdoğan continued his remarks: "The UN Security Council's Resolution 242 from 1967 is in place regarding Israel's occupation of the Golan Heights. While this resolution condemns Israel's occupation of the Golan Heights, it also calls for withdrawal from the region. It is important for the international community to take action to remind and implement this resolution. A weak voice against Israel’s occupation has begun to be heard from Western countries. If the world had stood up when Israel struck the first bomb on civilians, Israel would not have found the courage to take this act of occupation today. Just as we did not remain silent then, we will not remain silent against Israel’s attempts to occupy Syria today, nor will we in the future. Israel will learn sooner or later that international law binds them as well. We will continue to corner Israel at every opportunity and force it to act in accordance with the law. However, to prevent it from benefiting from the situation in Syria, all international mechanisms must be used effectively. The Western countries, especially the USA, have significant responsibilities to stop Israel. It must be expressed in the loudest voice that Israel's occupation of Syrian territory is unacceptable. It must be said to the Israeli aggression that constantly threatens peace and stability in our region, 'Stop' before it is too late. Otherwise, the boomerang of Israel will also target those who support them under any conditions. Those who ignored our warnings yesterday have seen today that we were right. I advise those who still make the same statements to heed the warnings we made today and take necessary steps to avoid regret tomorrow."

• Meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati - When asked by a journalist, "You met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and during the press conference, Mr. Mikati made a notable statement. He said, 'Lebanon has gone through a crisis, but we learned that we must first trust God and then Turkey.' Could you please evaluate these words?", Erdoğan responded: "We were together with Mr. Mikati at the D-8 Summit; I told him, 'The expression, ‘We trust God first, and then Turkey,’ has generated very positive feedback among our people.' Mr. Mikati’s expressing his trust in Turkey is an indicator of the appreciation for our efforts. We have proven multiple times throughout history that we are a safe haven for our friends and brothers. In our warnings, precautions, and actions, we do not operate under secret agendas or hidden agendas. We speak and act sincerely. We do not leave anyone who trusts us or walks with us halfway and we do not dig a pit behind them. This understanding is summarized in the Anatolian wisdom as ‘We love the created for the sake of the Creator.’ Our path and our goals are aligned in that direction. Discrimination and division have no place in our book. Hazrat Ali said, 'There is no meaning in being numerous if your hearts are not united.' Our goal is to establish that unity of heart. We will make intense efforts to create this unity with countries and nations with whom we share historical and cultural ties. I hope that by strengthening Turkey-Lebanon relations, we can quickly revive Lebanon in this region. But first, we need to resolve this issue of Israeli aggression. Israel must pay the price for all this oppression and the bombs it has thrown."

Erdoğan's responses to other questions were as follows: QUESTION: While the revolutionary process that started on December 8 continues in Syrian territory, you have held many diplomatic meetings. Particularly this week, there has been intense communication both face-to-face and via phone. We have witnessed support for Turkey's statements regarding the territorial integrity of Syria and the acknowledgment of its rights. Did you encounter any opposing views during your discussions with your counterparts? Honestly, I did not see a negative approach regarding this issue. Every regional and global crisis and development increases our diplomatic traffic. Our discussions may be a crucial turning point for the future of Syria, peace processes, and international cooperation. I explained to the leaders we have met within the scope of our Syrian diplomacy that Turkey is making efforts for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The way to protect Syria’s territorial integrity starts with combating terrorist organizations. There are those who adopt the understanding of supporting the PKK and its affiliates under the pretext of fighting ISIS. This approach brought Syria to the brink of division in the recent past. From the very beginning, we have been fighting both the PKK and its affiliates and ISIS elements. Just as ISIS cannot demonstrate in the streets and squares of Western countries, neither should the PKK and its affiliates be able to. Fighting against terrorist organizations must happen everywhere, not just in the streets and squares, but also in social and cultural spaces. We have a border of more than 900 kilometers with Syria. Along this entire border line, we have taken significant preventative measures against Asad, from building walls to controlling cross-border movements. With the formation of the new administration, we hope to elevate Turkish-Syrian relations to a much different level. There is something you may have noticed; the markets in Aleppo and the shopping venues there have suddenly come back to life. When I visited there during Asad’s time before the war, I saw that the covered bazaar there was as bustling as our own covered bazaars. So, there is history and commerce there. There is now movement again. I believe this movement will bring abundance to the area."

QUESTION: Recently, the elected President of the United States, Donald Trump, made significant statements regarding Syria, Turkey, and yourself. He has praise for you, saying you are "a very smart man, very strong, very tough, someone I get along well with." What do you have to say about his remarks? He also mentioned, "Turkey is the key to what will happen in Syria." He stated, "Turkey is behind the advancing forces in Syria," and "I am not bothered by this." What do you say about this? Mr. Trump’s remarks summarize his perspective on Turkey and the government he will form in the coming months. Everyone, except for the opposition in our country, is aware of Turkey's power and effectiveness. In fact, they also realize some things, but since they are not accustomed to speaking the truth, they distort it. The increasing power of Turkey in diplomacy is being written and expressed by everyone, from international think tanks to the media. We also know of our power and efficacy. We are intent on serving our people in a manner that befits them. As I said recently, Turkey is bigger than Turkey. We have a purpose that includes protecting our lands, developing our country, and making strides forward by holding onto our roots. Alongside this, we feel a responsibility to stand by our friends and brothers. We have reactivated our embassy in Damascus; just look at the feelings of our Syrian brothers when they see our name there. The phrase "the Turkish is what is expected" is not just a sentence thrown together. Turkey's emotional borders extend far beyond its physical borders. We have seen this in every country we have visited, in every geography we stepped into. Mr. Trump is actually emphasizing the power and effectiveness of our country by making an assessment of the situation. What can be said to the right words? The observations are on point. There is really no issue between us. As of now, we have had our conversations since he was elected. Mr. Trump is a pragmatic politician. He has a vision to change policies that incur costs for his country and allies. After the transfer of authority, we will probably congratulate him first and begin to sincerely address the issues on our agenda.

QUESTION: I was going to ask about AFAD's efforts in Sednaya, known as the torture base of the Assad regime. Are there missing Turkish citizens in that area? No, they haven’t provided us with such information. You have seen the conditions of that prison six floors underground and what happens to people there. As Turkey, we have not watched this, we did not stay in the stands. We sent our AFAD with all its equipment to Syria. Their efforts there, the formation of reports regarding those efforts have sent a beautiful message to both the region and the Islamic world. Our AFAD completed its duties and returned. You have seen the painful scenes there, those tunnels. The lengths of the tunnels, the awful state of those places, everything is a disaster. I think the world has seen Syria’s state and has provided the necessary feedback to the relevant parties. We successfully carried out an operation there with AFAD and obtained results. I believe all of this will be recorded as a very important note in history. Sednaya Prison validated what we have been saying for years. The oppressions, tortures, and extrajudicial executions there are amongst the most painful pictures of the Baath Regime reality. Like in every place that has witnessed oppression, mass graves are found in Syria as well. It appears that we have yet to see the complete picture of oppression and torture in Syria. It will require a little more time for that. We will do our best to ensure that the Asad administration, which is inflicting such oppression on its own people, is held accountable under international law. I hope the image of Sednaya has embarrassed those who say, “What is Turkey doing in Syria?” those who incite xenophobia by asking, “Why did we open our doors to Syrians?” and those who advise us by saying, “Asad declared amnesty; send the Syrians back to their country.” It is impossible not to think that those who still express the same sentiment have had their humanitarian values crushed in Asad’s death machines and their consciences locked in dark cells seven layers deep underground. The pain of losses in Syria will not cease, but Syria will rise again from where it fell. These oppressions will not be forgotten. We know that forgotten oppression will repeat itself. The brotherly Syrian people will unite and be whole today to heal their bleeding wounds and build a free and prosperous future. They will always find their brother Turkey by their side.

QUESTION: You have been subjected to heavy criticism regarding Syrians, who were shown as the source of every problem. It was also mentioned against you during the elections. Looking back now, do you say, 'I'm glad we stood by the Syrians; we fulfilled our moral duty'? Additionally, Turkey's power in the region has increased. Mr. Feridun Sinirlioğlu has been appointed as the Secretary-General of the OSCE. You have resolved issues between Somalia and Ethiopia. What is your view on this? In all these developments in the region, we take our steps believing. When we say, “We are the Ensar; they are the Muhacir,” we do so based on our unchangeable resources and sacred values. But the opposition does not look at it this way. They do not have the desire to understand what the concepts of Ensar and Muhacir mean. So what happened now? The CHP is fragmented and in turmoil within itself. The other side... there is no need to mention that. We have also fought against terrorism very decisively during this process. Praise God, we have obtained and continue to obtain results. We are building walls along our borders for the purpose of protecting our country from the threat of terrorism. In addition, we will take another step. We will intensify our trade relations with Iraq and Syria. This will bring new dynamics for both Syria and Turkey. Additionally, it will bring a different atmosphere to the region. Gaziantep is currently active. Kilis is also on the move and will be even more so. We are not expelling these people who have sought refuge in our country. We tell them, “If you want to go back, you can, but do so based on voluntariness. You are above our heads. If you say I will go home, you can go to your home.” Right now, the schools for Syrian children are continuing. They will complete their education here this year. After that, if they have homes in Syria, in Dara, Deir ez-Zor, or other regions of Syria, they can return there comfortably. We will collaborate in many areas ranging from defense to education and energy. Syria is currently facing serious energy issues. But we will swiftly address all their issues regarding energy, as our Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources will provide all necessary assistance.

The Ethiopia-Somalia issue is also significant. We have taken steps toward peace between Ethiopia and Somalia in a truly different and decisive manner. Both the Prime Minister of Ethiopia and the President of Somalia have positively approached our mediation efforts. They put this forth during our press conference. Although it was challenging, an agreement was achieved after a year-long process. Ethiopia has a significant challenge as it cannot reach the sea from its territory. Hence, a step was taken based on Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, granting Ethiopia access to the sea. Ethiopia is a large country. A country of such size should have such an opportunity. We also communicated this to our Somali brothers, especially President Hassan Sheikh. “You will support Ethiopia from now on. Let’s take a step, and one of the most important outcomes of this meeting should be for Ethiopia to reach the sea,” we said. For seven hours, it was not just us three but delegations also discussed among themselves. Sometimes negotiations hit a deadlock. In such instances, we intervened and resolved the matter. As for the OSCE issue, countries that are aware of Turkey’s effectiveness and problem-solving capacity unanimously deemed Mr. Feridun Sinirlioğlu worthy of an important role such as Secretary-General. Turkey stands out through its approach to regional and global issues. The OSCE has demonstrated its trust in our country due to all these features.

QUESTION: Turkey has emphasized the territorial integrity and unity of Syria since the civil war began in 2011, and it has been following a consistent and constructive policy in this regard. Today, a new era has begun. You partially touched on this issue as well. In this new period, Turkey will presumably side with the Syrian people as it has in the past, as you emphasized. How would you outline Turkey's policy towards Syria in this new era? The Syrian people, who have long endured Asad's tyranny, are very close to re-establishing their unity and brotherhood. We do not believe any power will continue to collaborate with terrorist organizations in the upcoming period. The heads of terrorist organizations such as ISIS, PKK-YPG located in other regions of the country will be crushed as soon as possible. We will do everything in our power today, just as we did yesterday, to construct a Syria that is free from terrorism and governed by its people. After the region is cleared of terrorist organizations, actions to revive Syria will accelerate. It is also crucial that the resources of Syria be used for the peace and prosperity of the Syrian people. Until now, the resources of Syria have been funneled into terrorist organizations and groups operating in the region. These taps were closed with the Syrian revolution. Now the country will use all its energy to rise again. Turkey will continue to support the reconstruction of Syria and the revival of its institutions. We are working to ensure that the international community contributes to this. With the return of Syrian refugees to their homes, Syria will be enriched, focus on production, and develop.

QUESTION: State institutions in Syria will be re-established, and as we understand, technical work is ongoing in this regard. Besides this, there will also be an infrastructure phase for Syria. I would like to know which sectors will be prioritized during the reconstruction process in Syria and what Turkey's economic contributions will be in this regard? What concrete steps do you expect from international actors to ensure Syria's territorial integrity? Is the international community providing sufficient support for Turkey's humanitarian aid efforts in Idlib? The conflicts in Syria and the years of war have collapsed the infrastructure of cities and the state. Reconstructing cities is vital for healing these wounds. To enable Syrian refugees to return voluntarily and establish a sustainable life, we need to resolve the housing issue. New homes, job opportunities, production and energy facilities, and establishments for agriculture and livestock need to be created rapidly. Syria's economy has collapsed as well. Lifting the embargo and restrictions imposed on Syria due to the Asad regime would benefit the country’s recovery. Another matter is the reintegration of Syria into the international community. Making an inclusive constitution and building a political system that will ground Syria's future is as necessary as these steps. It should not be forgotten that only the Syrian people will decide on Syria's future. There is currently no adequacy in humanitarian aid. The expected humanitarian aid to Syria is also not arriving. As Turkey, we have made many contributions in terms of humanitarian assistance to Syria for the new period. We continue to provide these humanitarian aids after this revolution and will keep doing so. This new administration particularly requires many elements, and we will not leave them alone in this regard. Especially against ISIS, PKK/YPG, they should not feel abandoned in their fight against these groups. We will do whatever is necessary. Soon, our Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will hopefully go there as well. They will undertake the new arrangements together.