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Published 18:40 IST, October 10th 2019

India calls upon Turkey to respect territorial integrity of Syria

India calls upon Turkey to respect the territorial integrity of Syria. In a tweet by MEA, India expressed concerns over Turkish military advancements.

Reported by: Tanima Ray
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Official Spokesperson of Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar has expressed concerns at the unilateral military offensive by Turkey in north-east Syria over a series of tweets on his official Twitter handle on October 10. The MEA spokesperson said that Turkey's invasive activity has further aggravated the violence in Syria which in turn will affect the stability which is already in jeopardy. The ongoing fight against terrorism in Syria will also be affected during the Turkey-Syria conflict, he added. The effects will not be limited to just this, but will further cause humanitarian and civilian distress, the MEA warned Turkey. Having stated the side effects of Turkey's military advancements, MEA further called upon Turkey to exercise restraint and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. The Ministry said that both Syria and Turkey should resort to the peaceful settlement of all issues through dialogue and discussion.

Read: Trump: 'Hope Turkey Acts Rationally In Terms Of Operation In Syria'

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US and Iran warn Turkey ahead of military advancement

Similarly, US President Donald Trump has said to the media on October 10 that he hoped Turkey would act rationally as the country launched an operation to invade Kurdish-controlled North Syria. Warning of actions against Turkey's economy, the US President said that he would consider moves tougher than sanctions if Ankara does not undertake the operations in northern Syria in as humane a way as possible. On the other hand, as per media reports, Iran's top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif told his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in a phone call on October 8 that Tehran is opposed to military action in Syria, the foreign ministry has said. The country also urged Turkey to not go ahead with an attack on the Syrian Kurds ahead of the expected Turkish incursion into northeastern Syria. 

Read: Iran Opposes Syria Military Action, Javad Zarif Tells Turkey

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Turkey: Syria operation will be proportionate and responsible

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on October 9 announced the launch of Operation Spring of Peace in northern Syria in order to clear out the ISIS terrorist organizations. The same day, Turkey reportedly also told the United Nations Security Council, before a closed-door meeting held to discuss Ankara's offensive, that the military operation would be proportionate, measured and responsible. On request of the five European members — Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, and Poland — the UNSC will be holding a meeting on October 10 to talk about the situation in Syria. Turkey has already justified its action under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which covers an individual or collective right to self-defense against armed attack. 

Read: Turkey Says Syria Operation Will Be 'proportionate And Responsible'

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Also, read: Invasion Of Northeast Syria Carries Gain And Risk For Turkey

18:10 IST, October 10th 2019