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Erdogan: Turkish Plan to Encourage Voluntary Return of One Mln Syrian Refugees

An aerial photo taken during the Turkish interior minister's inauguration of a compound for displaced Syrians in Idlib governorate (AFP)
An aerial photo taken during the Turkish interior minister's inauguration of a compound for displaced Syrians in Idlib governorate (AFP)
    Ankara - Saeed Abdulrazzek
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Erdogan: Turkish Plan to Encourage Voluntary Return of One Mln Syrian Refugees

An aerial photo taken during the Turkish interior minister's inauguration of a compound for displaced Syrians in Idlib governorate (AFP)
An aerial photo taken during the Turkish interior minister's inauguration of a compound for displaced Syrians in Idlib governorate (AFP)

Amid heated debate between the Turkish government and the opposition over the issue of Syrian refugees, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu on Tuesday inaugurated a housing complex for displaced persons in Northern Syria’s Idlib.

The opening of the complex came in the context of Turkey’s announcement of preparations to have a million Syrians residing in the country to voluntarily return to Syria with the support of Turkish and international civil organizations.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan affirmed that the comprehensive project allows the voluntary return of one million Syrians.

The initiative will be implemented with the support of Turkish and international civil organizations in 13 regions, including Azaz, Jarablus, Al Bab, Tal Abyad and Ras Al Ayn.

To be realized in cooperation with the local councils in those regions, the Turkish project includes the construction of various facilities such as schools and hospitals.

In a video address, Erdogan said around 500,000 Syrians have returned to “safe zones” on the Turkey-Syria border since 2016.

The Turkish president pointed out that the new project includes making the planned residential communities self-sufficient in terms of economic infrastructure, from agriculture to industry.

“All infrastructure projects, from housing to hospitals, everything regarding daily life will be in this project,” said Erdogan.

So far, 57,306 homes have been completed in northern Syria as part of the campaign to build 77,000 homes with the support of civil organizations.

The initiative is being coordinated by the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority.

Erdogan explained that these residential communities are designed so that they are suitable places for living and do not lack any facilities, such as mosques, schools, health centers, bakeries, and gardens.

Around 50,000 families have been accommodated to date.

“No one abandons their home without reason and throws themselves into an unknown future,” said Erdogan, noting that Turkey considers extending a helping hand to refugees a humanitarian responsibility.

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Al-Alimi to UN Envoy: Houthis Not a Reliable Peace Partner

Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi welcomes UN Envoy Grundberg in Aden, Yemen (SABA)
Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi welcomes UN Envoy Grundberg in Aden, Yemen (SABA)
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Al-Alimi to UN Envoy: Houthis Not a Reliable Peace Partner

Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi welcomes UN Envoy Grundberg in Aden, Yemen (SABA)
Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi welcomes UN Envoy Grundberg in Aden, Yemen (SABA)

UN envoy Hans Grundberg is working to address the Yemeni crisis, but Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), has questioned the Houthi militias’ trustworthiness for peace.

During Grundberg’s visit to Aden, the interim capital, Al-Alimi told him that the Houthis may not be a reliable partner. Grundberg had called for “constructive dialogue” to ease tensions.

Yemen’s state media reported that Al-Alimi received an update on Grundberg’s recent talks and his focus on reducing tensions and restarting the peace process, which has been disrupted by “Houthi terrorist groups supported by Iran.”

Grundberg thanked Yemen’s PLC and government for their work to reduce tensions and prevent a return to widespread conflict, according to SABA News Agency.

On his part, al-Alimi reaffirmed support for the UN’s efforts to restart a political process based on a Saudi roadmap.

He also supported UN efforts to address the worsening humanitarian situation caused by Houthi attacks on oil facilities and shipping lanes, which he said are backed by Iran.

Al-Alimi stressed the need for continued local, regional, and international attention on Houthi actions, including human rights abuses and measures against Yemenia Airways that worsen humanitarian conditions and damage the airline’s reputation.

The Houthi group, backed by Iran, is holding four Yemenia Airways planes in Sanaa and blocking the airline from accessing around $120 million in its bank accounts.

The PLC chief said a recent failed Houthi attack on the Safir oil facility in Marib shows the Houthis are not a reliable partner for peace. He accused them of prioritizing their supporters’ interests over Yemen’s needs.

Al-Alimi stressed the need for international unity and listening to Yemenis’ calls for stability and peace, in line with UN resolutions, especially UNSC Resolution 2216.

Grundberg, who has not reported progress on economic issues between the Yemeni government and the Houthis, urged for constructive dialogue to reduce tensions. His office stated that he and Al-Alimi discussed the urgent need for a broader dialogue to ease tensions across Yemen.

Grundberg has expressed concern over UN staff held by the Houthis and renewed the UN Secretary-General’s call for their immediate release.

The UN diplomat ended his visit to Muscat, where he met with Omani officials and Houthi negotiator Mohammad Abdelsalam. He stressed the urgent need for de-escalation in Yemen and urged the Houthis to prioritize the well-being of the Yemeni people.

Grundberg also called for the immediate release of the detained UN staff during his meetings. Before Muscat, he discussed de-escalation efforts with Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammad Al Jaber in Riyadh.

In Riyadh, Grundberg met with the ambassadors of the five permanent UN Security Council members, highlighting the need for a unified approach to support peace talks and a ceasefire in Yemen.