Politics
08:19, 15-Jan-2018
Turkey uneasy over US training Kurdish militia as border force
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Turkish Foreign Ministry on Sunday said the US move to establish a border control force in northern Syria is a "unilateral decision."
In a written statement, the ministry noted that it was not clear about which coalition members the US has consulted in taking the decision to establish such a force.
"Explaining the unilateral steps on behalf of the coalition is a very wrong move that could harm the struggle with Daesh," read the statement, using the Arabic acronym of the ISIL.
"Turkey was determined to eliminate any threat posed against its territory," the ministry said.
Turkish demonstrators rally against the coup attempt in Turkey at the White House in Washington, US, on July 17, 2016. /Reuters Photo
Turkish demonstrators rally against the coup attempt in Turkey at the White House in Washington, US, on July 17, 2016. /Reuters Photo
Turkey sees the YPG as the offshoot of outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
"Such initiatives that endanger our national security and the territorial integrity of Syria by continuing the cooperation with the PYD/YPG in contradiction with the commitments and statements of the United States are never acceptable," said the ministry.
The ministry condemned this "wrongful approach" and said Turkey was determined and capable to eliminate all sorts of threats.
On Dec. 22, 2017, US Central Command Commander General Joseph Votel announced they would establish border forces in Syria, which he said would help prevent a resurgence of ISIL.
Around 400 militants "trained by US as border guards" are to establish what they call "The North Army" in Syria, Turkish media reported.
Turkey and the US have long been at odds over the latter's support of the Syrian Kurdish militia.
Source(s): Xinhua News Agency