Turkey supports Syrian unity in anti-terror fight: Min.

By Ayhan Simsek

MUNICH (AA) - Turkey supports the territorial integrity and political unity of Syria during its fight against terror, the defense minister said on Sunday.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Hulusi Akar underlined that Turkey’s priority has been the safety and security of its borders and people.

“While fighting terrorism, Turkey always respects territorial integrity and political unity of Syria,” he said, stressing that the military operations only targeted the terrorist activities of the PKK/YPG group.

The PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU, waged a terror campaign against Turkey for more than 30 years and has been responsible for the death of nearly 40,000 people. The YPG is its Syrian offshoot.

The defense minister underlined that the 1998 Adana agreement between Turkey and Syria included provisions on the fight against terrorism.

“We already have a memorandum of understanding with Syria to fight terrorists. Because of the current situation in Syria, Damascus cannot fight against terrorists. So this is the reason why we are there, why we are fighting,” he said.