On several occasions, we have shared with the public our views and concerns about the social events unfolding in Syria since March 2011. As it is known, Turkey, wishes that violence in Syria is brought to an end, that a solution to the problem is sought through political means and that reforms which will meet the legitimate demands of the people are genuinely undertaken.

As a result of the events in Syria, a total of 18.199 Syrian citizens have entered Turkey and 10.646 have returned to Syria, as of today. Currently, the number of asylum seekers in camps in Turkey amounts to 7.553. The abovementioned Syrian citizens are hosted in 6 camps set up in Hatay by the Turkish Red Crescent.

Recently, various claims have been raised about the Syrians seeking refuge in Turkey and the camps where they are hosted. It has been observed that these claims, indeed, constitute a part of the disinformation activities originating mainly from Syria due to her current state of domestic affairs. In order to enable the public to evaluate this matter on a sound basis, it is deemed useful to bring certain facts to the attention of the public.

- The people in the abovementioned camps have sought shelter in Turkey because of the bad experiences and fear they lived in Syria, of whom they are citizens. In order to bring to an end the reasons for their stay in Turkey, the causes that led them to flee from Syria must cease to exist. This responsibility rests with the Government of Syria.

-It is not possible to refuse any person seeking asylum in Turkey due to humanitarian and conscientious considerations as well as in terms of the international law and our obligations.

- All resources have been mobilized in order to host the Syrian guests in the best possible way and to ensure their welfare and safety, which has been confirmed on numerous occasions by impartial and specialized third parties, including the UN agencies.

-The request of those who wish to return to Syria is met without delay, and for this purpose necessary arrangements are made, including transportation.

-Under the present circumstances, it is out of question that Syrian citizens are returned to Syria, or any other country against their will. In this context, it should be particularly emphasized that recent allegations concerning a Syrian citizen named Huseyin Harmush are totally unfounded.

Turkey, throughout her history, has been a place of refuge for many people and groups of people from different parts of the world. It is the dignified tradition of our nation to protect these people without having any interest or desire. This tradition, undoubtedly, is especially valid for our Syrian brothers who demand to live in a Syrian state which observes human dignity, which is democratic with high living standarts and which lives at peace with herself and with her neighbours and, within this context, who have our full support.