U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday Turkey was making a ceasefire in northern Syria permanent, prompting the United States to lift the recent sanctions it had imposed on Turkish imports in response to the violence.

Trump also used the White House announcement, where he was flanked by Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to declare a change of course in U.S. relations with the Middle East, where he said too many American service members had died.

“Early this morning, the government of Turkey informed my administration that they would be stopping combat and their offensive in Syria, and making the ceasefire permanent,” he said.

“However, you would also define the word permanent in that part of the world as somewhat questionable. We all understand that.”

Trump said he had instructed Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to lift sanctions imposed on Turkey in response to its moves against the Kurds in Syria’s northeast “unless something happens that we are not happy with.”

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The United States would “let someone else fight over this long, bloodstained sand,” he said.

“How many Americans must die in the Middle East in the midst of these ancient sectarian and tribal conflicts?” he said. “I am committed to pursuing a different course, one that leads to victory for America.”

BREAKING: President @realDonaldTrump announces a permanent cease-fire on Syria-Turkey border and the lifting of sanctions on Turkey “This was an outcome created by us, the United States and nobody else.” pic.twitter.com/k1Zn1I8Eq3 — Team Trump (@TeamTrump) October 23, 2019

Did Trump make the correct decision? Yes No Completing this poll entitles you to our news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You're logged in to Facebook. Click here to log out. 98% (41 Votes) 2% (1 Votes)

BREAKING: President Trump lifting sanctions on Turkey after the nation informs White House they will be “stopping combat” and imposing a permanent ceasefire in Syria https://t.co/UVxidXFa5K — CNBC Now (@CNBCnow) October 23, 2019

JUST IN: President Trump orders all sanctions on Turkey lifted https://t.co/L8HPKRbUvf pic.twitter.com/MXdb4inJPT — CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) October 23, 2019

POTUS announces “permanent” cease fire in Turkey and lifting of sanctions. Takes blame and credit for the cease fire and announces small group of U.S. troops will remain. . . cleaning up a mess we created? @realDonaldTrump — Brian J. Karem (@BrianKarem) October 23, 2019

Trump is lifting all sanctions on Turkey This Trump/Pence clusterfuck is a disaster. Trump went out of the way to say this is US position because it’s crystal clear this was a gift to Putin. Trump are ISIS liberators and proudly left the Kurds to slaughter. — Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 23, 2019

BREAKING: President Trump says Turkey has informed the U.S. it will make “permanent” a five-day cease-fire in Syria. In response, he says he’s directing the lifting of economic sanctions on Turkey. https://t.co/gVWiYJyYCW — The Associated Press (@AP) October 23, 2019

The President really likes lifting sanctions on authoritarian leaders that invade other countries. That is not good. — David Cicilline (@davidcicilline) October 23, 2019

Lifting sanctions on Turkey so quickly is yet another serious mistake from Pres Trump. Republicans and Democrats in the Senate – including me – are moving ahead with legislation to hold Turkey accountable, counter ISIS, & establish a check on Russian/Iranian influence in Syria. — Senator Chris Coons (@ChrisCoons) October 23, 2019

NEW: Trump declares victory in Syria, lifts sanctions on Turkey https://t.co/llPqZRL1mc — Axios (@axios) October 23, 2019