US says 'We understand Turkey's security concerns' and makes Syria call: Foreign terrorists must leave

US Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Bass evaluated his visit to Turkey and current issues regarding Syria to members of the press via teleconference following his meetings in Ankara.

Noting that his contacts in Turkey were "productive and constructive," Bass stated that the focus of his meetings was "the smooth continuation of the transition process in Syria" and the concrete steps that could be taken in this regard.

Bass emphasized that they understand Turkey's concerns regarding counter-terrorism and security, that they are working in coordination with Ankara on these issues, and noted that both countries are sensitive about regional stability.

"SYRIA CANNOT BE A SAFE HAVEN FOR FOREIGN TERRORISTS"

Responding to a question about "whether an agreement has been reached between the two countries on clearing PKK/YPG elements from Syria," Bass used the expression, "As (US Secretary of State) Antony Blinken has also stated, we agree with the Turkish government and many other governments that Syria cannot and should not be a safe haven for foreign terrorist organizations or foreign terrorists in the future."

The US diplomat said, "We believe that any foreign terrorist in Syria should leave the country. We think that most of these individuals should return to their citizenship or the countries they came from at the end of a process conducted with their own governments and face justice for their actions."

While Bass did not specify exactly what he meant by the phrase "foreign terrorists," he did not address whether this expression also applies to the terrorist organization PKK/YPG, which uses the name SDF in Syria.

"IT SHOULD NOT POSE A SECURITY THREAT TO TURKEY"

Stating that the most important element in the transition process in Syria is "stability," Bass emphasized that this process "should not pose a security threat to Turkey" and that they will continue to work with Ankara during this process.

Bass assessed, "It is extremely important that we work together on this transition process and the departure of foreign terrorists from the country. We need to ensure that this process does not cause further instability in Syria and does not create new opportunities for ISIS to carry out terrorist activities again."

STATEMENT ON THE FIGHT AGAINST ISIS

Arguing that the US military presence in Syria is aimed at "preventing the re-emergence of ISIS as a regional threat," the US acting under secretary said that their cooperation with the PKK/YPG is also within the scope of the "fight against ISIS."

Bass stated that "foreign terrorist elements, including the PKK, occasionally exploit the situation in Syria" and that this situation should not pose a threat to Syria's neighbors, especially Turkey.

Bass also expressed that they will try to provide all possible support for the transition process in Syria and that they aim to take steps that will increase security across the country and improve conditions for all Syrians.

News Source: 12punto