Afrin operation important for world’s peace: Turkish MP

By Muhammet Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA

Turkish group head of Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean countries said the Operation Olive Branch was not only important for Turkey's national security but also for the world’s peace.

"Turkey's [red] lines are clear," Erdogan Ozegen told journalists in parliament on Monday.

Ozegen said that the operation in Afrin was "not only important for Turkey's national security but also for world peace."

"We do not see any reason that they [Assad regime’s forces] clash with our soldiers," said Ozegen, a lawmaker of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party from Nigde province.

The lawmaker recalled Turkey's aim for the operation and said it would provide an opportunity to Syrians in Turkey to return their homes.

Ozegen's remarks came after Assad regime's state-run news agency SANA reported on Monday that the pro-Assad militia called “Popular Forces” was going to enter Afrin within a few hours.

The terrorist organization YPG/PKK-Daesh is said to have held talks with the Syrian regime after more than 70 different strategic areas were liberated during Turkey's Operation Olive Branch since its launch on Jan 20.

According to the Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkey’s borders and the region as well as protect Syrians from oppression and cruelty of YPG/PKK-Daesh terrorists.