Politics
09:54, 26-Feb-2018
Turkey says UN resolution on ceasefire in Syria not to affect its Afrin operation
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The UN Security Council's ceasefire decision in Syria would not have an impact on Turkey's ongoing military operation in Afrin, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said Sunday.
"When we look at the UN Security Council resolution, we see that fight against terror organizations is outside its scope. Therefore, it will not affect Turkey's ongoing operation," Bozdag was quoted by state-run Anadolu Agency as saying.
Last month, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch against the People's Protection Units (YPG) militants who are controlling the Syrian enclave of Afrin. Ankara sees the YPG as the Syrian affiliate of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), labelled by the Turkish government as a terrorist organization.
Turkish Special Operation members seen during a sendoff ceremony in Ankara, Turkey on February 22, 2018. /VCG Photo
Turkish Special Operation members seen during a sendoff ceremony in Ankara, Turkey on February 22, 2018. /VCG Photo
Earlier on Sunday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry welcomed the resolution in a written statement, noting that Ankara would continue its military operation in Afrin.
"We welcome the resolution adopted by the UN Security Council in response to the worsening humanitarian situation all across Syria, particularly in Eastern Ghouta," read the statement.
Turkey will at the same time "remain resolute in fighting against the terrorist organizations that threaten the territorial integrity and political unity of Syria," it added.
The UN Security Council on Saturday adopted a resolution calling for a 30-day ceasefire in Syria to allow for humanitarian aid deliveries.
Source(s): Xinhua News Agency