'Europe should be grateful to Turkish military'

Turkish soldiers perform during a military ceremony at Yeni Foca Gendarmerie Commando Counter Terrorism Operations School Command after 45 specialized sergeant swore oath in Izmir, Turkey on October 18, 2019 [Emin Mengüarslan / Anadolu Agency]

European countries should be grateful for the Turkish army carrying out its “dangerous but important” anti-terror operation in northeastern Syria, the country’s presidential spokesman said on Monday, reports Anadolu Agency.

Ibrahim Kalin told German public broadcaster DW that the presence of Turkey’s soldiers is a guarantee for moving the political process forward in the country as well as for protecting Syrian refugees.

“Our European friends should be thankful to our soldiers for this very dangerous but important work,” he added.

He stressed that the 120-hour pause granted last Thursday for the withdrawal of YPG/PKK terrorists from the region, agreed with the US, will not be extended.

“If this part [withdrawal] of the mission is completed by tomorrow and we make sure that all YPG terrorists left the area, then we will halt the operation … as agreed in the joint declaration and agreement that we have had with the Americans.”

READ: Turkey to resume Syria offensive if truce deal falters

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