We reject the statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt dated 19 March regarding the operation conducted by Turkey in Afrin.
Taking the lead among countries defending the territorial integrity and political unity of Syria, Turkey contributes to the protection of Syria’s territorial integrity by fighting against a separatist terrorist organization.
The claims that the operation is violating the rights of civilians and deepening the humanitarian crisis in Syria are not true. The operation has rescued the civilian population from the oppression of a terrorist organization and paved the way for sustainable security and stability.
The claim that Operation Olive Branch is undermining political settlement efforts in Syria is completely groundless. PYD/YPG terrorist organization against which Turkey is fighting cannot hold a place in the political solution process for Syria.
For the fight against terrorism to be successful, it is necessary that all countries in the region and the international community adopt an unequivocal attitude and avoid making distinctions among terrorist organizations.
Egypt is expected to make sincere efforts for the resolution of the Syrian conflict and to thereby contribute to the Arab world instead of backing up terrorist organizations such as PYD/YPG which attempt to occupy Syrian territories.
Two days ago, Egypt’s foreign ministry expressed condemnation of Turkey’s military intervention in Afrin, , saying it constitutes a “fresh violation of Syrian sovereignty.”!!
Turkey’s army said it shelled shelters and hideouts used by militants in the area on Friday and Saturday, as Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan vowed to wipe out “terrorists” in the region.
The Turkish government has accused the Syrian Kurdish forces which control Afrin to be connected to the terrorist organization “PKK”.
The attacks “undermine the existing efforts for political solutions and counter-terrorism efforts in Syria,” the Egyptian ministry added in a statement published on its Facebook page.
The ministry reiterated Cairo’s firm position rejecting military solutions to Syria’s nearly seven-year civil war, which it said would add to the suffering of the Syrian people.
The ministry renewed its call for serious negotiations towards a “comprehensive and objective political process” that includes all parties.
On January 20, Turkey launched the “Operation Olive Branch” military operation in Afrin to clear the city from the Syrian-Kurdish terrorist YPG militia.
