Turkey condemns Macron for meeting with Syrian Democratic Council

News About Turkey - NAT
3 Min Read

Turkey has condemned French President Emmanuel Macron for meeting with members of the Syrian Democratic Council at the Élysée Palace in the capital Paris.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tanju Bilgiç on July 20 said that Ankara condemns the French leader for meeting with members of the council that is “under the control of” the People’s Protection Units (YPG).

Turkey deems the YPG a terrorist organization due to the group’s links to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). It has carried out military offensives in northern Syria in the previous years against the group. 

According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, France’s “insistence” on continuing relations with “this separatist organization” threatens Turkey’s national security, Syria’s political unity, and territorial integrity, as well as the efforts to establish stability in the region. 

“We would like to state once again that Turkey will continue its struggle against this terrorist organization and its extensions everywhere with determination,” Bilgiç’s statement read. 

Macron on July 19 met with Kurdish politicians from northeastern Syria and discussed the need to continue working to establish political stability in the area, the French Presidency said. 

Berivan Khaled, the co-chair of the Executive Council of the Autonomous Administration of North and East, said that the discussion focused in particular on France’s support for the international community’s recognition of the Kurdish Autonomous Administration.

The delegation also included Ilham Ahmed, co-chair of the Syrian Democratic Council, and Ghassan Youssef, one of the leaders of the Civil Council of Deir Ezzor.

Macron praised the ” fighters’ courage” in northeastern Syria and the sacrifices they made against ISIS, adding “we will continue to fight terrorism alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces,” according to the statement.

Macron promised that France would proceed with its “humanitarian work” in northeastern Syria, where Paris had spent “more than 100 million euros since the occupation of Raqqa,” the former stronghold of ISIS, in 2017.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Macron have in the past repeatedly exchanged in a war of words on France’s support for the Kurdish fighters in Syria.

Source: Duvar

Share This Article
Founded by a small group of Turkish/Kurdish scholars who have been subjected to persecution at the hands of the Erdogan dictatorship, News About Turkey (NAT) has emerged as a platform that is both exceptional and invaluable. Our objective is to provide you with a comprehensive and sophisticated understanding of the events and developments in Turkey (Türkiye), a country with profound historical and geopolitical importance, a vibrant culture, and a strategic location. Our founders, who have been purged by the Erdogan regime after the so-called coup attempt, are aware of the significance of journalism that is both free and independent. Because of this understanding, we are committed to providing reporting and analysis that is both objective and comprehensive. To give you the most thorough coverage of Turkey, we go further than just scratching the surface. Keep in touch with us so that you can have a better understanding of Turkey's developing story as well as vital and comprehensive news items. Whether you are a resident of Turkey, a member of the Turkish/Kurdish diaspora, or simply someone who has a strong interest in this vital country, we are the most reliable source for news that not only informs but also inspires and engages you.
Leave a comment