The EU member state in the United Nations Security Council called upon Turkey to stop its unilateral military operation in northeastern Syria.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are deeply concerned by the Turkish military operation in north-east Syria. We call upon Turkey to cease the unilateral military action as we do not believe it will address Turkey\u2019s underlying security concerns.\u201d said Deputy Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations J\u00fcrgen Schulz on behalf of EU six countries in the security Council after a closed door meeting on Syria.<\/p>\n
In a press briefing in United Nation accompanied by representatives of the UK, France, Belgium, Poland and Estonia, Schulz declared that renewed armed hostilities in the north-east will further undermine the stability of the whole region, exacerbate civilian suffering and provoke further displacements which will increase the number of refugees and Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Syria and in the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnilateral military action on Turkey\u2019s part threatens the progress achieved by the Global Coalition against Da’esh. It will undermine the security of the Coalition\u2019s local partners, including the Syrian Democratic Forces [SDF], and risks protracted instability in north-east Syria, providing fertile ground for the resurgence of Da\u2019esh, which remains a significant threat to regional, international and European security.\u201d He added.<\/p>\n
He said that the so-called \u2018safe zone\u2019 in northeastern Syria as envisaged by Turkey is unlikely would satisfy international criteria for refugee return as laid down by UNHCR. \u201cWe maintain our position that refugee and IDP returns to their places of origin must be safe, voluntary and dignified when conditions allow.\u201d<\/p>\n