Sena Güler
25 January 2019•Update: 25 January 2019
By Sarp Ozer
ANKARA
Turkey on Friday reiterated its call for to cut ties with YPG/PKK terrorists and also to complete the roadmap in Manbij, Syria, according to Turkey’s Defense Ministry.
National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar met with James Jeffrey, the U.S. special envoy to Syria and a former U.S. ambassador to Turkey, in the capital Ankara, said a ministry statement.
During the meeting, Akar once again urged the U.S. to end its ties with the YPG/PKK terror group, the statement said.
Turkey has repeatedly objected to U.S. support for the terrorist YPG/PKK as a "reliable ally" in Syria, which has included supplying arms and equipment.
Using one terror group -- the YPG/PKK -- to fight another -- Daesh -- makes no sense, Turkey has argued.
In its 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the terrorist PKK -- recognized as a terrorist group by the U.S., EU, and Turkey -- has taken some 40,000 lives, including women and children. The YPG/PKK is the PKK's Syrian branch.
Turkey has promised a counter-terrorist operation against the YPG/PKK in Syria, east of the Euphrates River, in the near future.
The statement also cited Akar as saying: “Turkey has a fair expectation for quick completion of the roadmap for Manbij.”
The Manbij deal between Turkey and the U.S. focuses on the withdrawal of PYD/YPG terrorists from the city to stabilize the region, which is in the northeast of northern Syria's Aleppo province.
Turkish and U.S. troops began joint patrols in Manbij at the beginning of November.
Akar also touched Ankara’s sensitivity Syria’s territorial integrity, stressing Turkey’s commitment to its rights and interests under international law and agreements.
He said Turkey and the U.S. would solve issues by working together.
