Erdogan, May discuss Operation Olive Branch over phone

By Ilkay Guder

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey gives “utmost care” to not harm civilians during its military’s operation in the northwestern Afrin region of Syria, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday.

In a phone conversation, Erdogan and May exchanged views on the latest developments in Syria and Operation Olive Branch launched by the Turkish Army on Saturday to fight threats from PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorist organizations, according to a statement issued by the Turkish Presidency.

Turkish president emphasized that the operation is being carried out under the framework of Turkey’s rights based on international law, UN Security Council’s decisions and self-defense rights under the UN Charter.

Erdogan noted the aim of the operation is to clear Afrin from all terrorist organizations, including Daesh and PYD/PKK.

May, for her part, commended Turkey’s fight against Daesh terrorist organization, and its contribution to defeat the terror group.

The leaders agreed on keeping close contact in forthcoming days to find the solution of Syria issue.

According to the Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkish borders and the region as well as to protect the Syrian people from the oppression and cruelty of terrorists.

Afrin has been a major hideout for the PYD/PKK since July 2012 when the Assad regime in Syria left the city to the terror group without putting up a fight.