Scandalous statement from Trump: 'Turks and Kurds hate each other'

The new US President Donald Trump said that he prevented a potential operation by Turkey against Kurdish forces in Syria.

Stating that he has a strong friendship with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Trump said, “Erdoğan is my friend. He is a leader I like and respect. I asked him not to attack the Kurds, and because he likes me, he agreed, but I don't know how long this peace will last.”

Claiming that Erdoğan had stopped an operation against the Kurds in the past as well, Trump said, “It had started, I said please don't do this, and he didn't.”

TURKS AND KURDS HATE EACH OTHER

Touching upon the historical tension between Turkey and the Kurds, Trump assessed, “Turks and Kurds hate each other. Therefore, it is difficult for peace to last long.”

‘TURKEY HAS BEEN AFTER SYRIA FOR 2 THOUSAND YEARS’

Commenting on the current situation in Syria, Trump drew attention to Turkey's influence in the region.

“Turkey has been after Syria under different names for 2 thousand years,” said Trump, implying that Erdoğan has deployed his “men in different ways and under different names” in the field during this process.

In his statements regarding developments in Syria, Trump avoided giving details about the US military strategy, while emphasizing Turkey's active role in the region and that Erdoğan is a “smart leader.”

Describing the overthrow of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in the past as an “unfriendly regime change,” Trump stated that Turkey acts in cooperation with opposition groups.