- Title: Macron says Turkey's Syria offensive may create humanitarian crisis
- Date: 13th October 2019
- Summary: PARIS, FRANCE (OCTOBER 13, 2019) (REUTERS) MERKEL AND MACRON WALKING TO PODIUMS TO GIVE STATEMENT (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON, SAYING: "The Turkish offensive in Syria is obviously at the heart of our concerns. In the last hours, both of us had the opportunity to speak with President (Donald) Trump, and with President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan, and to send clear messages and our common desire that this offensive ends." GERMAN, EUROPEAN AND FRENCH FLAGS MERKEL AND MACRON TALKING (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON, SAYING: "On one hand, this offensive risks creating an unsustainable humanitarian situation, and we already can see it on the ground; and on the other hand, (it risks) helping Islamic State re-emerge in the region. In the face of this situation, we will stay very coordinated as we were when we notified Turkey that we would end our arms sales, as well as with the initiative that we have to take in the coming hours and the coming days." MERKEL AND MACRON (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL, SAYING: "Today I spoke with President Erdogan for one hour. Of course, we have to consider Turkey's security interests, but we also think that we have to put a stop to this Turkish invasion because of humanitarian reasons. Neither can we accept this situation facing the Kurds, and we really have to find another solution." JOURNALISTS TALKING
- Embargoed: 27th October 2019 18:48
- Keywords: Macron Merkel Syria Kurds Turkey military action
- Location: PARIS, FRANCE
- City: PARIS, FRANCE
- Country: France
- Reuters ID: LVA002B0XL1L3
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: France's president said on Sunday (October 13) he had told Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump in telephone calls that the Turkish offensive in Syria had to stop immediately and that it risked creating a humanitarian crisis.
"We have a common desire that this offensive ends," Emmanuel Macron said alongside Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel. "This offensive risks creating an unsustainable humanitarian situation and to help Islamic State re-emerge in the region."
Merkel said she also spoke with Erdogan, and that the situation facing the Kurds cannot be accepted.
The two leaders met over a working dinner at the Elysee Palace. Macron convened a special cabinet meeting on Sunday evening over the Syria crisis.
The Turkish incursion in northeast Syria has raised international alarm over a mass displacement of civilians and fears that it could trigger a revival of the Islamic State insurgency in Syria. At least 130 000 Kurds civilians fled the region.
Production: Noémie Olive - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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