Syrian Kurds oppose safe zone plan

Turkey has insisted that it will be in control of safe zones as negotiations with Syria are still ongoing.

This was confirmed by Turkey’s Presidential spokesperson, Ibrahim Kalin. While Turkey desires such a control, Syrian Kurds are opposing the plan they deem to put them under Turkey’s control.

The plan is to have a safe zone in the north of Syria, a proposal supported by the US.

A senior Kurdish official, Bedri Ciya Kurd said: “This safe zone plan will be another Turkish occupation under the new guise. The autonomous democratic governance in the north and east of Syria rejects such plans under the guise of a safe region because they represent a new kind of attack or threat in the region,”

Kurd was talking to the Associated Press news agency.

Erdogan and Trump have agreed on Syria safe zone

After speaking to President Donald Trump of the US over the phone, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday the two countries agreed to establish the safe zone in Syria and to take quick and comprehensive steps to revive trade relations.

Kurd went on to say Syrian Kurds can only welcome the safe zone plan in which international peace forces operate under United Nations. Syria’s government forces should be the only alternative to UN soldiers in the north of Syria, Kurds insist.

Turkey will be in charge, no other option

Kalin said: “Turkey will control the safe zone. The Turkish military deployment and intelligence will engage with local people in the region and establish the safe zone.

“Turkey already established its presence through in Jarabulus-Al-Bab line, and from Afrin to Idlib. It might not be named the safe zone, but in action, Turkey controls the safe zone in this region.” Kalin spoke during a press conference at the Presidential Complex in Ankara.

“When you look at this region, neither PKK, PYD,  YPG (Pro-Kurdish armed groups) nor DAESH is active there. These areas are ruled by the local people, local city councils. It is easy to establish this kind of ruling model in Munbij and the east of Euphrates,” Kalin explained.

In his speech at the Parliamentary Group, Erdogan detailed Turkey’s safe zone will be 30 kilometres deep into the north-eastern region, a plan suggested by President Donald Trump.

Trump calms down after a harsh, threatening tweet against Turkey

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from IPA NEWS https://ipa.news/2019/01/16/syrian-kurds-oppose-safe-zone-plan/