“Erdogan welcomed his counterpart’s withdrawal decision from Syria and reminded him that as a NATO ally Turkey is ready to provide the US with any sort of support,” according to a statement from the Turkish president’s office.
They also discussed the idea of establishing a safe zone in northern Syria which might placate Turkey’s security concerns, the statement added.
Erdogan told Trump “Turkey has no problem with Kurds, but with terrorist organizations like Daesh (ISIS) and PKK who threaten national security,” it said.
In a statement, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said: “The President expressed the desire to work together to address Turkey’s security concerns in northeast Syria while stressing the importance to the United States that Turkey does not mistreat the Kurds,” Reuters reports.
Trump announced in December he would soon withdraw the 2,000 US troops stationed in northern Syria. America’s Kurdish allies in the fight against ISIS fear Ankara will invade after the US departs.
Erdogan has repeatedly threatened to attack the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) east of the Euphrates. Ankara considers the YPG an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), an armed group fighting for greater cultural and political rights for Kurds in Turkey.
Trump's threat to “devastate” the Turkish economy earlier on Monday outraged Erdogan.
Starting the long overdue pullout from Syria while hitting the little remaining ISIS territorial caliphate hard, and from many directions. Will attack again from existing nearby base if it reforms. Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds. Create 20 mile safe zone....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2019
....Likewise, do not want the Kurds to provoke Turkey. Russia, Iran and Syria have been the biggest beneficiaries of the long term U.S. policy of destroying ISIS in Syria - natural enemies. We also benefit but it is now time to bring our troops back home. Stop the ENDLESS WARS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2019
This is a developing story… Last updated 9.44 pm
