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Turkey’s Foreign Minister answers the question “Is Russia against Afrin operation?”

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Turkey’s Foreign Minister answers the question "Is Russia against Afrin operation?"
Foreign Minister CAVUSOGLU answering questions – BusinessTurkeyToday.com

In reply to the question “Is Russia against Afrin operation in Syria?” in an interview on a national TV channel, Turkey’s Foreign Minister CAVUSOGLU said “Russia should not be against the Afrin operation. What we need to coordinate is the situation of their observers there and that no accidents occur.  As for usage of the airspace we are talking with Russians and Iranians as well.

The explanations made have not fully satisfied us. We knew U.S partnership with YPG was supposed to finish after Rakka. The U.S decision on the border army and its support for terrorist organizations will cause irreversible damage in our relationships. The U.S did not keep the promise given to us in Manbij. We need to see concrete steps from the United States. The statement “we are not establishing an army” will not affect the possible operation to Afrin.

Precautions we are taking derive from international law. We have to do this and we will do so. It is not our concern what the world countries are saying. We are to face this threat. I have to take my own measure personally.

As for the position and eventual reaction of Russia regarding an operation to Afrin the Foreign Minister said “Russians should not be against this operation. What we need to coordinate is the situation of their observers there and that no accidents occur.”

We have always defended and respected Syria’s border and integrity. We are also discussing with the Russians and Iran about the use of the airspace. We need to coordinate this for an airborne intervention.

This coordination for an airborne intervention needs to be done well so that an accidental confrontation with Russian and Iranian forces is prevented.

As for timing, I will not make a comment. We have national defense and interior ministers. We have soldiers. We have the chief of staff etc. Our soldiers say we’re ready at any moment. Of course, it has to do with strategy and coordination.

Regarding recent developments in Idlib the Minister said “Idlib does not have only moderate opposition groups or civilians. There are also terrorist organizations here. Some security measures need to be taken here. Our observers will settle at other points too.

It’s clear where the terrorist groups live. Let’s take measures against these together and share information. Hospitals, schools should not be hit using existence of these groups as an excuse.

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