The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, urged the Turkish authorities on Saturday 15 December to refrain from any unilateral action that could undermine the coalition's efforts against Daesh or increase instability in Syria.
The day before, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had warned that the Turkish army would enter Manbij (North Eastern Syria) if the United States did not obtain the withdrawal of Kurdish militiamen from the Washington-supported Popular Protection Units (YPGs), but that Ankara considers them terrorists. Ms Mogherini described the announcement as a source of concern.
It therefore considered that the early implementation of the roadmap agreed between Turkey and the United States on Manbij was "essential". "A mutually acceptable outcome in northern Syria should address Turkey's security concerns without hindering the campaign against Daesh", she said.
"As the fight against Daesh is entering its final phase, all parties must work towards the goal of ensuring its upcoming defeat, which remains an indispensable objective for any durable solution to the Syrian crisis", the High Representative added in her statement, recalling that as a guarantor country of the Astana process, Turkey has a special responsibility. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)