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‘Targeting terrorism’

Mar 21,2018 - Last updated at Mar 21,2018

I am writing to you regarding the article titled “America’s forgotten allies in Syria” (The Jordan Times, March 19, 2018). 

I am deeply disappointed not only because of the heavily subjective and distorted content of the article, but also because of the choice of a writer, who does not comply with the necessities of objective journalism.

So called “Syrian Democratic Forces”, which consists of the PYD/YPG elements, is nothing but a continuation of the terrorist organisation PKK.They share the same leadership, organisational and military structure, modus operandi, strategies and tactics. PKK is accepted as a terrorist organisation not only by Turkey, but by many countries and international organisations all around the world, including the US, EU and NATO. The link between the PKK and PYD, hence YPG, has also been well established by the publications of independent academic and international institutions, such as Henry Jackson Society, NATO’s Defence Against Terrorism Review, the USA National Counter Terrorism Centre, and EUROPOL. The TV broadcasts by the PKK’s media outlets and the recent demonstrations to protest “Operation Olive Branch” outside of Turkey, where Öcalan’s banners and PKK’s symbols were displayed, prove how PKK and PYD/YPG are intertwined.

Changing the name of a terrorist organisation to “democratic forces” does not make it any less of a terrorist organisation or democratic.

There is nothing more reasonable for Turkey than to fight against the terrorist groups on its border, who continuously targets our national security with harassment fires and attacks, as well as Syria’s territorial integrity. As the Turkish political leadership has repeatedly explained, the objective of this operation is to ensure our border security, neutralise terrorists and save the brotherly Syrians from the cruelty of these terrorists. Hence, it is only logical for the international community and our NATO allies to support our rightful and just endeavour to fight terrorism, which is a global threat.

The “Operation Olive Branch” targets terrorist groups only. As was accomplished in the “Operation Euphrate Shield” last year, Turkey aims at establishing a safe haven for Syrians to return and to contribute to the stabilisation efforts in Syria.

Turkey will continue to support all efforts, both political and military, to bring peace and stability to the brotherly Syrian people of all origins and religions.

Ambassador of Turkey

Amman

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