UN chief expresses 'deep concern' over Turkish offensive in Syria

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed his "deep concern" at spiralling violence in Syria a day after Turkey launched an offensive in Kurdish-controlled areas. "I want to express my deep concern about escalation of conflicts we are witnessing in eastern Syria," Guterres told a press conference in Copenhn. He said any solution to conflict needed "to respect sovereignty of territory and unity of Syria". His remarks came as five European members of UN Security Council -- France, Germany, Britain, Belgium and Poland -- called on Ankara to halt its military operation against Syrian Kurdish forces. 

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Turkey began offences in rastern Syria

Turkish military, supported by Syrian proxies, began its offensive in rastern Syria on Wednesday, shortly after US withdrew its troops from area -- a move which effectively saw America abandon its Kurdish allies in fight against Islamic State (IS). Turkey says its operation is aimed at pushing back Syrian Kurdish forces, which it considers "terrorists", and establishing a "safe zone" for return of Syrian refugees.  But intervention has sparked international anger, raising fears of a new refugee crisis and concern that thousands of jihists being held in Syrian Kurdish prisons could use opportunity to escape. 

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India also 'deeply concerned'

India on Thursday said it was "deeply concerned" over "unilateral military offensive" by Turkey in rastern Syria and asserted that action can undermine stability in region as well as fight against terrorism. On Wednesday, Turkish jets and artillery targeted Kurdish-controlled areas in Syria, forcing thousands of civilians to flee ir homes. Reacting to development, Ministry of External Affairs said: "We are deeply concerned at unilateral military offensive by Turkey in rast Syria."Turkey's actions can undermine stability in region and fight against terrorism, it said. action also has potential for causing humanitarian and civilian distress, MEA said in a statement. "We call upon Turkey to exercise restraint and respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. We urge peaceful settlement of all issues through dialogue and discussion," MEA said.

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