French leader promises to support SDF in Syria

By Yusuf Ozcan

PARIS

The French President recalled “the commitment of France against the PKK and its commitment to the security of Turkey” during his meeting with the PYD/PKK-led SDF delegation, according to a presidency statement on Thursday.

The written statement by the Elysee Palace said that the delegation briefed Emmanuel Macron on the humanitarian situation in northern Syria.

Stating that Macron assured the SDF of France's support against Daesh, it added the support was particularly for “the stabilization of the security zone in the north-east of Syria, within the framework of an inclusive and balanced governance, to prevent any resurgence of Daesh in the waiting of a political solution to the Syrian conflict”.

Recalling the commitment of his country against the PKK terror group and its commitment to Turkey’s security, he also acknowledged that SDF had “no operational link with this terrorist group”.

The U.S. has supported the PYD/PKK under the name of SDF, which is considered by Ankara as the Syrian offshoot of the PKK terror organization that has waged a more than 30-year war against the Turkish state.

American support for the terror group has long vexed Ankara, as Washington views the SDF as a "reliable partner" in its fight against Daesh and continues to provide it with arms and equipment in the face of strong objections by Turkey.

Macron also hoped that "a dialogue could be established between the SDF and Turkey with the assistance of France and the international community”, despite Turkey's consideration of the group as a terror organization.

The statement also added that France would continue to make efforts with the concerned countries to ensure security and make progress towards an inclusive political transition in Syria.

The PKK has fought a 33-year war against Turkey that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths.