Bringing up the fact that the unrest in Syria has persisted for over a year now, Atalay explains, "At present there are 23,682 Syrian nationals in Turkey." Also commenting that the aftermath of the Annan Plan will be evaluated by the U.N. and international community, Atalay went on to state, "Our wish is for this oppression and violence in Syria, which is exerted onto their own nationals, be brought to an end immediately. As Turkey, there is no need to express our sensitivities. In regards to the Arab Spring, Turkey has announced from the start that we are not at all impartial when it comes to the public's demands and to what is transpiring in Syria. We are doing all that we can and will continue to do so."

As for combat near the border, Atalay says, "There should be no concern; there is no risk or danger for those in Kilis or the Syrians staying in the camps. There are no security gaps at the container camp. People there are paying close attention to the rules in place and soon we will be implementing a card system in order to supervise entries." Deputy Prime Minister Atalay also explained that they have spent approximately 150 million dollars on sheltering Syrian refugees.