Turkey’s steps not against Syrian Kurds

January 19, 2018

Kalin stated: “I want to underline once more that the steps Turkey takes towards protecting its own national security in Afrin, Manbij, Jarabulus or in other places [in Syria] are definitely not a move against Syrian Kurds.”
Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday 18 January, Turkey’s presidential spokesman stated that the steps taken by the Turkish administration in order to protect its national security are “definitely” not a move against Syrian Kurds.

Kalin stated: “I want to underline once more that the steps Turkey takes towards protecting its own national security in Afrin, Manbij, Jarabulus or in other places [in Syria] are definitely not a move against Syrian Kurds.”

The emphasis comes as an operation in Afrin – a region bordering Turkey’s Hatay and Kilis provinces – is widely expected in the upcoming days.

Turkey intends to clean Afrin from the PKK/PYD – which has remained a major national security threat to the country.

Kalin also commented on the mis-understanding surrounding the “Border Security Force” announced by spokesman for the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) Col. Ryan Dillon.

The presidential spokesman stated that U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said: “There will not be a force like that, it was expressed incorrectly. A false statement was made and wrong people spoke.”

“Now, in plain words, we will be following this closely,” Kalin said.

Before finishing his words, Ibrahim Kalin also re-emphasized that Turkey will oppose the legitimization of U.S. support to the PKK/PYD, YPG or SDF.

Politics Today is dedicated to publishing insightful analyses in order to understand the changing nature of contemporary politics. It aims to contribute to the sound and constructive discussion of international affairs.