Letter dated 9 October 2019 from the Permanent Representative of Turkey to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council
I am instructed by my Government to bring the following to your kind attention.
The conflict in Syria has created a breeding ground for various terrorist organizations, posing a wide range of threats to the region and beyond. My Government has spared no effort to help remedy the situation in Syria, in accordance with all the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, particularly by fighting against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Turkey initiated Operation Peace Spring on 9 October 2019, in line with the right of self-defence as outlined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, to counter the imminent terrorist threat, to ensure Turkey’s border security, to neutralize terrorists starting from along the border regions adjacent to Turkish territory and to liberate Syrians from the tyranny of PKK’s Syrian branch, PKK/PYD/YPG, as well as Deash.
Turkey’s national security has been under the direct and imminent threat of terrorist organizations operating in the east of the Euphrates in Syria, among which Deash and PKK/PYD/YPG are at the forefront.
The PKK/PYD/YPG terrorist organization has continued to find breeding ground in the north-east of Syria and has become a serious threat for regional and international security, as well as for the territorial integrity of Syria.
In particular, PKK/PYD/YPG units close to Turkish borders in the north-east of Syria, continue to be a source of direct and imminent threat as they opened harassment fire on Turkish border posts, by also using snipers and advanced weaponry such as anti-tank guided missiles. Among other terrorist activities, they have been smuggling explosive devices, weapons and ammunition into Turkey with the aim of empowering PKK-affiliated units not only inside Turkish territories, but also in Afrin and Bab districts to commit deadly terrorist attacks against innocent Syrian and Turkish citizens alike. Much to our regret, the negotiations with the United States on establishing a safe zone free from terrorists in north-east Syria along the Turkey-Syria border to address the legitimate security concerns of my country have remained inconclusive despite our efforts in good will.
As has been the case in its previous counter-terrorism operations, Turkey’s response will be proportionate, measured and responsible.
The operation will target only terrorists and their hideouts, shelters, emplacements, weapons, vehicles and equipment. All precautions are taken to avoid S/2019/804 2/2 19-17434 collateral damage to the civilian population. All deconfliction channels are open and functioning to ensure risk mitigation as well as to prevent any inadvertent incident and/or friendly fire vis-à-vis the elements of allied and partner countries present on the ground for the purpose of fighting against Deash.
This operation is essential also within the context of the responsibility attributed to States Members of the United Nations in the fight against terrorism through Security Council resolutions 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005), 2170 (2014), 2178 (2014), 2249 (2015) and 2254 (2015).
Besides, the Adana agreement signed on 20 October 1998 by the Republic of Turkey and the Syrian Arab Republic constitutes a contractual basis for my country to fight all kinds of terrorism emanating from Syrian territory in its hideouts and in an effective and timely manner.
Turkey will carry out this operation in support of efforts to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of displaced Syrians to their homes of origin or other places of their choice in Syria in line with international law and in coordination with relevant United Nations agencies.
I would like to underscore once again that, unequivocally and strongly committed to the territorial integrity and political unity of Syria, Turkey undertakes this measure with a view to contributing to and furthering these fundamental principles. This operation is also a solid expression of Turkey’s determination to reject any separatist agenda aimed at undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.
Turkey’s strong commitment to find a political solution to the conflict in Syria through a genuine political transition, as outlined in the Geneva communiqué and Security Council resolution 2254 (2015), remains intact.
I would be grateful if the present letter could be circulated as a document of the Security Council.
(Signed) Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu Permanent Representative
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