EU calls for ‘genuine’ political transition in Syria

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - Recognizing Turkey’s security concerns, the EU on Monday reiterated its stance that any solution to the Syrian conflict cannot be reached through military means.

"We can reaffirm that while recognizing Turkey’s legitimate security concerns, the European Union has from the very beginning said that any sustainable solution to the Syrian conflict will not be reached through military means, but requires a genuine political transition...," EU's Foreign Affairs and Security Policy spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said at a news briefing.

Her remarks came after Turkish officials signals potential operation to northern Syria to ensure Turkey's security by clearing the region of the terrorists.

Kocijancic said the EU remains committed to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.

"We have urged and continue to urge Astana guarantors, which include Turkey, to ensure cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians and unhindered safe and sustainable humanitarian access through Syria," she added.

Since 2016, Turkey’s Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch operations in northwestern Syria have liberated the region from YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorists, making it possible for Syrians who fled the violence to return home.

Turkey has long decried the threat from terrorists east of the Euphrates in northern Syria, pledging military action to prevent the formation of a "terrorist corridor" there.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of some 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. YPG is the Syrian branch of the terrorist organization PKK.