Mr. President,

We thank both distinguished Special Rapporteurs. We have carefully read both reports, especially the one by Mr. Emmerson.

Terrorism poses an imminent threat to international peace and security. It cannot have any justification and should be condemned unconditionally. All terrorist groups must be countered with a shared determination and robust international cooperation. With this understanding, Turkey co-chairs the Global Counter Terrorism Forum with the US.

As a neighboring country to both Iraq and Syria, Turkey closely follows the developments with utmost concern.

Especially the situation in Syria has become a clear threat for regional stability and international peace.

As a co-sponsor of Resolution 2178, Turkey is determined to fight DEASH and other terrorist groups while protecting civilians on the ground. Turkey supports, and is a part of the Coalition countering DEASH.

Furthermore, relevant Turkish authorities are taking all necessary measures to prevent foreign terrorist fighters’ entrance to Turkey from source countries and their transit to and from Syria and Iraq. The issue of foreign terrorist fighters is only a symptom of the disease. We need full cooperation of source countries in this regard.

Although the present report underlines the unwillingness of the Syrian regime to fight DEASH, it insufficiently addresses the root causes of its emergence.

We should not forget the circumstances in which DEASH came into being. The reality on the ground has always to be kept in mind.