EU urges Turkey to refrain from unilateral action in Syria

BRUSSELS, Dec 15 (KUNA) -- The European Union (EU) Saturday expressed concern over statements of a possible Turkish military operation in North East Syria.
"We share the goal of ending violence, defeating terrorism and promoting stability in Syria and the wider region. We expect the Turkish authorities therefore to refrain from any unilateral action likely to undermine the efforts of the Counter-Daesh Coalition or to risk further instability in Syria," said EU High Representative Federica Mogherini in a statement.
She noted that the rapid implementation of the roadmap agreed between Turkey and the US on Manbij is key.
"A mutually acceptable outcome in northern Syria should address Turkeyآ’s security concern without hampering the counter Daesh campaign," said the EU foreign policy chief.
She reiterated that any sustainable solution to the Syrian conflict requires a genuine political transition in line with UNSCR 2254 and the 2012 Geneva Communique.
"As one of the guarantors of the Astana Process, Turkey has a particular responsibility," stressed Mogherini. (end) nk.mt