Ankara must respect territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria, says MEA

India on Thursday described Turkey’s military action in Syria as unilateral and asked Ankara to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria. The comment from the Ministry of External Affairs called upon Turkey to exercise restraint.

“We are deeply concerned at the unilateral military offensive by Turkey in north-east Syria. Turkey’s actions can undermine stability in the region and the fight against terrorism. Its action also has the potential for causing humanitarian and civilian distress,” said the MEA in a press release.

Turkey on Wednesday launched the military campaign on Partiya Karkeren Kurdistane rebels in northern Syria as it considers the outfit a terrorist organisation.

Ankara claims that the groups being targeted in the operation are already designated as terrorists in the United States and the European Union. Turkey has accused the PKK/YPG of killing 40,000 civilians.

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Ankara maintains that the fight against YPG is not new but part of the 30-year long counter-terror operation against the Kurdish PKK.

Tough diplomatic exchanges between Turkey and India have intensified in recent weeks following India’s decision to end the special status of Kashmir on August 5. India issued a strong statement expressing “deep regret” after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took up the Kashmir issue in his speech at the UN General Assembly. India indicated on Thursday that it does not agree with the Turkish notion of terrorism.

“We call upon Turkey to exercise restraint and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. We urge the peaceful settlement of all issues through dialogue and discussion,” said the Ministry of External Affairs.