AS DELIVERED
AMBASSADOR LINDA THOMAS-GREENFIELD: Our Syrian refugees who started this extraordinary business here in Turkey – and you saw earlier I was at another restaurant with Syrian refugees – what this shows, to me and to the world, is that refugees can contribute to a country. They tell me they have about 20 employees, is that correct? So, they’re providing jobs for others. They have a thriving business here, and they are contributing to this country. And I wanted to take the opportunity to thank them for sharing their wonderful skills with us, but also hear from them how they are doing in this country, what they are hearing from their relatives inside of Syria, and what they would like me to share about their experiences with the Security Council. But I’d just like to thank all three of you for your hospitality, for sharing this amazing food, and I hope all of you had a chance to enjoy.
QUESTION: What’s the main message from people you’ve spoken to today?
AMBASSADOR THOMAS-GREENFIELD: The main message is: We are hearing from our relatives inside of Syria, they are suffering, and we don’t want to be forgotten. And I think the message they have heard from me is that we have not forgotten Syria, and that’s why I’m here.
Original source can be found here.
