SDC Deputy Co-Chair Gabriel Shamoun: “Erdoğan’s actions remind us of the Ottoman mentality that caused a lot of devastation and backwardness in the region”

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — In a statement to Hawar News, Deputy Co-Chair of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) and Co-Chair of the Syriac Union Party’s (SUP) Hasakah branch Gabriel Shamoun condemned Erdoğan’s conversion of the Hagia Sophia into a mosque, stressing that this “provocative deed shook the feelings of all Christians in the Middle East and around the world.”

“Erdoğan’s actions remind us of the Ottoman mentality that caused a lot of devastation and backwardness in the region,” Shamoun added.

Shamoun denounced Erdoğan’s statement and his earlier use of the phrase, “We will not allow the terrorist remnants of the sword (Sayfo) in our country to try to carry out their terrorist acts … Their number has decreased, but they still exist.” Erdoğan’s words, said Shamoun, are an insult to all Christians.

Shamoun concluded by calling on the countries of the world to work to stop the crimes committed by Erdoğan’s government against the Christians in the Middle East, saying, “Countries should provide assistance to these peoples so they can rise again and end these ideas.”