The issue of the safe zone has been on Turkey's agenda since the Obama administration, therefore it does not make sense for Western leaders to oppo
The issue of the safe zone has been on Turkey’s agenda since the Obama administration, therefore it does not make sense for Western leaders to oppose it and treat it as if Turkey has just introduced it now, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Thursday.
The president criticized western countries for opposing its Operation Peace Spring in northeastern Syria, which aims to clear the PKK-linked People’s Protection Units (YPG) terrorists off the border.
“Turkey works with allies and informs relevant parties before taking steps out of diplomatic courtesy but does not need anyone’s permission to annihilate a terror corridor built along its borders,” Erdoğan said, as he expressed Turkey’s determination to clear its borders regardless of international support.
“If YPG terrorists appear in the Syria safe zone after the 150-hour withdrawal period, Turkey will use its right to crush them; if they don’t withdraw in line with the Sochi deal, Turkey will implement its own plans for an offensive,” he said.