Turkey expects US to implement Manbij roadmap without delays

ISTANBUL - Anadolu Agency

Turkey expects the roadmap with the U.S on the Syrian town of Manbij to be implemented as planned, without delays, a Turkish presidential aide said on Sept. 21. 

Speaking to reporters in the capital Ankara, İbrahim Kalın said “the Manbij roadmap is an important deal. We are loyal to it and will do what is necessary.”

“But, simultaneously, the U.S. administration continuing to engage with the YPG and PYD is a source of serious concern to us,” he added.
Turkish Armed Forces will soon start joint training and patrolling activities with the U.S. in Manbij, the presidential aide noted.

The Manbij deal between Turkey and the U.S. focuses on the withdrawal of the PKK-affiliated YPG terrorist group from the city in order to stabilize the region.

Washington has claimed the YPG is a “reliable ally” in the fight against Daesh, while Ankara has pointed to its status as an offshoot of the PKK, a recognized terrorist group which has taken some 40,000 lives in Turkey. 

Fight against terrorism

The presidential aide expressed Turkey’s dedicated stance against terror groups operating both in Turkey and abroad.

“Operations being carried out by MİT (National Intelligence Organization) and related security institutions against terror groups abroad will continue with determination,” he said.

Kalın added, “Those, who commit crimes against Turkey will definitely be brought to justice.”

The presidential aide also voiced Turkey’s dedication to root the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), the group behind the 2016 defeated coup attempt out of the country.

“The Republic of Turkey will never allow FETÖ [terrorists] to breath comfortably. Everybody should know this,” he added.