The Syrian government has intensified its embargo on the Shehba Canton since August, which has been in effect since 2018. Checkpoints established by the Syrian government between Aleppo and Shehba do not allow the passage of medicine, fuel and food.

Assembly Member of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) Zelal Ceger spoke to ANHA about the embargo imposed by the Syrian government simultaneously with the Turkish attacks on northern Syria.

‘NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POLICIES OF SYRIA AND TURKEY’

Ceger remarked that the invading Turkish state occupied almost a quarter of the Syrian territories in Idlib, Afrin, Jarablus, Bab, Serêkaniyê and Girê Spî. She noted that the Syrian government was pursuing policies that supported the policies of the invading Turkish state against the people of the region.

“There is no difference between the Syrian government policy of subjecting the Shehba Canton to starvation and the Turkish invasion attacks on Syrian lands. These policies serve the interests of both countries to the detriment of the Syrian people. During the Tehran and Sochi talks, the Turkish delegation received a green light to carry out airstrikes in the North and East Syria regions,” Ceger remarked.

Ceger pointed out that Russia is trying to bring Turkey and Syria closer, adding, “However, the recent rapprochement is to the disadvantage of Syrian people, who are still suffering due to the policies of the Syrian government and the invading Turkish state.”

The PYD politician emphasized that the invading Turkish state was flexing its muscles with the attacks in order to get nationalist Turks onside.

Ceger stated that the Erdoğan government used all its opportunities to win the upcoming elections. “2023 will mark the 100th anniversary of the Treaty of Lausanne. The invading Turkish state will boost its economy by imposing taxes on the Bosphorus and Dardanelles Strait.  Erdoğan is trying to reinforce his government before the coming year, even though recent opinion polls show that support for him has dwindled by 30 percent.”