Last thing Syria needs after beating ISIS is another conflict – German FM on Turkish invasion

Germany’s foreign minister has spoken out about the Turkish operation [?] in Afrin, saying the last thing Syria needs after its fight against Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) is a new military confrontation.

“We have been monitoring the developments in northern Syria with concern. The military confrontation between Turkey and the Kurdish forces carries risks that are inestimable,” Sigmar Gabriel said, as quoted by Sputnik.

Gabriel went on to state that both Turkey and the Kurds have made great efforts in their fight against IS. He noted that Syria now needs to focus on taking further steps towards peace.

“After success in the anti-IS struggle Syria needs further steps toward stability and peace ... All the efforts should be focused on progress at the political level,” Gabriel said, adding that the last thing the country needs is yet another confrontation.

The foreign minister pointed out that Syria will have an appropriate opportunity to “make progress on the political level” during the next round of Geneva negotiations in Vienna, which are scheduled to take place next week.
 (RT)
 21/1/18