Nilay Kar
18 October 2019•Update: 18 October 2019
ANKARA
The leader of Turkey's Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) on Friday welcomed the deal between the U.S. and Turkey on Turkey's anti-terror operation in northern Syria, calling the move “valuable.”
In a statement, Devlet Bahceli said: “The Nationalist Movement Party finds the deal made between Turkey and the U.S. delegation valuable.”
Bahceli praised President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for “reiterating Turkey’s legitimate position to the world and for not making concessions on his dedication” on Turkey's counter-terror operation in northern Syria.
He lauded Turkish soldiers as "heroes" voicing his belief that they will remain "vigilant" and "prepared", come what may.
Erdogan and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence reached a 13-point agreement on Syria on Thursday following meetings in Ankara.
They "reaffirmed the relationship as fellow members of NATO," and the U.S. side said it understood Turkey's security concerns on its southern border.
The two sides agreed on the conditions, particularly in northeast Syria, necessitate closer coordination based on common interests.
Turkey and the U.S. also reiterated "their pledge to uphold human life, human rights, and the protection of religious and ethnic communities".
Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria on Oct. 9 in order to secure Turkey’s borders, aid the safe return of Syrian refugees, and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity.
Ankara wants to clear the region east of the Euphrates River of the terrorist PKK and its Syrian offshoot, the YPG.
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the European Union -- has been responsible for deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.
