US-Turkey dispute on Syria’s SDF continues: US Department of State
WASHINGTON, USA (North Press) – On Wednesday, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland said that there is still a dispute between Turkey and the US regarding the latter’s support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
“The two countries agreed not to agree on the SDF issue, despite its ability to achieve security and political stability in northeastern Syria while continuing to confront ISIS,” she added.
On Wednesday, US Congress held a hearing with Nuland in which she spoke about the nature of the US-Turkish relationship during the administration of US President Joe Biden and the most important common issues between the two countries.
In the opening session, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Bob Menendez said that the US-Turkey’s relationship during the era of the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan does not meet the US interests and goals, which raises the need to inform Turkey that the US is ready to depart from this relationship as well.
“We will continue to oppose the S-400 missile system and support the continuation of sanctions on this deal,” Menendez added.
Menendez said that the US “completely disagrees with Turkey on the Syrian issue, as Turkey occupied areas the size of Lebanon in northern Syria, which it forcibly took from its Kurdish residents after they were subjected to various types of violations, torture, and forced displacement.”
Menendez pointed out that there is a deep rift with Turkey regarding Cyprus, as Erdogan is trying to harm the interests of Cyprus and Greece, in addition to Erdogan’s internal violations and his constant attempt to silence, suppress and persecute his opponents. “All of these are characteristics of weak countries, not a strong and globally influential country,” he added. “The United States needs Turkey as a democratic partner in the Middle East, and this will not happen under President Erdogan.”
Nuland announced the intention of the Biden administration to continue applying sanctions against Turkey and continue to suspend the sale of American F-35 aircraft because of their purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system.