Erdoğan says there is a new reality in Syria

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Dec. 7 that there is now a "new political and diplomatic reality" in Syria, as an opposition alliance has toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.

"Syria belongs to the Syrians along with all their ethnic, sectarian and religious diversity," Erdoğan told his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) meeting in the southeastern city of Gaziantep.

The Syrian people will determine the future of their own country, he added, urging "responsible actors and all international organisations" to support the preservation of Syria's territorial integrity.

"There is now a new reality in Syria, politically and diplomatically. And Syria belongs to Syrians with all its ethnic, sectarian and religious elements," Erdoğan said.

He was speaking as anti-regime forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) entered the suburbs of the city of Homs, opening a path to Damascus in a lightning advance as front lines collapse and government forces battle to save Assad's 24-year rule.

Anti-regime forces captured Hama on Dec. 5 and continued to advance on Dec. 6, seizing the Rastan and Talbiseh districts in the Homs province.

Crowds gathered in Damascus on Dec. 8 to celebrate the fall of Assad's government after opposition fighters entered the capital following a stunning advance.

The Assad government failed to "grasp the value of the hand extended by us," he said, referring to his earlier calls for face-to-face talks.

He said increasing attacks on civilians in Syria's Idlib appear to be the "last straw" that triggered the recent incidents.

"As Türkiye, our wish is for our neighbour Syria to quickly regain the peace, stability and tranquillity it has been longing for 13 years," Erdoğan remarked.

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