Turkish defense minister on Friday renewed Ankara’s demand from the US to cut ties with YPG/PKK organization in Turkey, Anadolu Agency reports.
According to a statement from Turkish Defense Ministry, Hulusi Akar met US’ envoy for Syria James Jeffrey in the capital Ankara.
“The US should cut ties with YPG which is no different from the PKK and the US should also call off its plan to set up observation points in northern Syria,” Akar told Jeffrey.
The statement said the two dignitaries discussed regional issues — including recent developments in Syria’s Manbij and Idlib – and bilateral relations.
Akar pointed out that giving weapons and ammunition to the terrorist YPG via trucks and airplanes doesn’t fit with the understanding of alliance with the US.
“We will never allow a terror corridor in the south of our country,” the Turkish defense minister added.
The US has claimed the YPG/PKK is an “ally” in the fight against Daesh, over Turkey’s objections that you cannot use one terrorist group to fight another. Turkey has repeatedly cited evidence that the YPG is no different from the PKK.
The YPG is the Syrian offshoot of the PKK, a terrorist group recognized by Turkey, the US, and EU, which in its 30-year terror campaign has taken some 40,000 lives.
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