WASHINGTON (Sputnik), Leandra Bernstein — On Tuesday, the UN Security Council urged Ankara to adhere to international law in Syria, following a closed door briefing requested by Russia. The meeting was called to address ongoing Turkish shelling of YPG positions across the Syrian border.
“If you listen carefully what the United States government has to say on this issue, it is also an appeal to the Turks to stop [shelling Kurdish YPG units]. We would like to see it transformed in more energetic work with the Turkish allies to implement it,” Kislyak said on Wednesday.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier on Wednesday that Turkey will continue attacks on Kurdish fighter posts in Syria.
Over the past month, Turkish forces have repeatedly attacked YPG positions in northern Syria, claiming the Kurdish militia is a terrorist group that threatens Turkish security. US officials, including Vice President Joe Biden, have condemned the Turkish attacks on the YPG, which have been important US allies in the fight against the Islamic State.
US State Department spokesperson Mark Toner stated in a press briefing on Wednesday that Ankara is not ignoring Washington’s calls to end artillery strikes on Syria’s territory.
Turkey is a member of NATO and an ally in the US-led coalition to destroy Daesh.
