"The Turkish Armed Forces has launched in line with the right of self-defense following the regime’s targeting of Turkish troops and civilians"

 

Presidential Spokesperson İbrahim Kalın had a meeting with U.S. Representative to the United Nations Kelly Craft and U.S. Special Representative for Syria James Jeffrey at the Presidential Complex.

On the agenda of the meeting were the Syrian crisis, especially Idlib, the refugee issue and other regional developments. 

At the meeting, during which the options for cooperation regarding the escalating crisis in Idlib were assessed, the importance of alliance solidarity within NATO was emphasized and the need for concrete support by NATO members, particularly the U.S., was stressed.

The U.S. counterparts were informed about Operation Spring Shield, which the Turkish Armed Forces has launched in line with the right of self-defense following the regime’s targeting of Turkish troops and civilians. It was reiterated that the aim of the ongoing operation is to achieve a peaceful and political solution. It was underlined that Turkey will maintain its determination to protect its troops and the civilians in accordance with the Idlib Memorandum.

It was stated that the Constitutional Committee must speed up its works for a sustainable ceasefire and political settlement in Syria pursuant to the UN Security Council Resolution No. 2254 and that the international community must increase its support for the emergence of an environment of fair and free elections. 

It was underlined that the attacks must be brought to an end and a ceasefire must be declared immediately so as to end the humanitarian crisis in Idlib caused by the regime’s attacks. It was pointed out that the international community must assume more responsibility and concrete steps must be taken without delay in order to maintain the Idlib Memorandum and prevent any further tragedy.