President Erdogan and President Trump conduct phone conversation on Syria issue

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conducted a phone interview with US President Donald Trump this evening on Syria. After the call the announcement from the White House was as follows: President Trump has conveyed his concerns about destructive and unreal rhetoric of Turkey. He has also expressed that the increasing violence in Aphrin raises the risk of not reaching common targets in Syria. Trump invited Turkey to stop confrontation and wanted military action to be limited. He also conveyed his concern regarding to US citizens and employees detained in Turkey.

The written statement on White House web site went on as follows:

“President Trump invited Turkey to closer bilateral cooperation to resolve its legitimate security issues. The two leaders expressed commitment  to develop the strategic partnership between the US and Turkey and to increase stability in the region by fighting against all forms of terrorism, including the the PKK, ISIS, Al Qaeda  and Iranian-backed terrorism.”

In a statement made by Ankara regarding the conversation, it was stated that the two leaders had exchanged opinions about the operation of the Olive Branch.

The following statements were included in the explanation:

“Our President, stressed that Turkey realizing the Olive Branch Operation based on international law and with the right to self-defense stemming from Article 51 of the UN Charter and the resolutions the UN Security Council on the fight against terrorism.

“Our President has also pointed out again that the US should end the arms support to the PYD / YPG in the fight against terrorism.”