While all Arabs remember with gratitude the support and warm reception provided by the Turkish people, government, and President Erdogan to the millions of victims of the Syrian regime’s crimes against the Syrian people, we also thank Turkey for hosting many Arab citizens who sought refuge there from the increasing oppression of Arab regimes.

The Arab Council expresses its concern over the rising racist campaigns currently targeting Arabs, particularly Syrian refugees, in several Turkish cities. These campaigns, fueled by some parties and media outlets hostile to Arabs, have reached certain official security and administrative circles, severely damaging the historically strong relationship between the Arab and Turkish peoples.

The Arab Council calls on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government to intervene immediately to halt these organized racist campaigns and prevent any attacks on Arab residents, tourists, or Syrian refugees, in order to preserve Turkey’s image and its current and future interests with the Arab world.

The Arab Council
President Moncef Marzouki