The spokesperson of the European External Action Service, Maja Kocijancic, warned on Monday 7 October against a Turkish intervention in northern Syria.
On the same day, American forces began to withdraw from certain Syrian areas near the Turkish border, leaving the door open for a Turkish offensive, described by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as "imminent".
"In light of the statements made by Turkey and the United States on developments in northeastern Syria (...), a long-term solution will be not be reached through military means, but requires a genuine political transition", Kocijancic told the media, while recognising Turkey's legitimate security concerns.
"Renewed armed hostilities in the northeast will not only exacerbate civilian suffering and lead to massive displacement but will also risk severely undermining current political efforts", she warned. She urged Astana's guarantors, including Turkey, to ensure cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians and unhindered safe and sustainable humanitarian access through Syria.
EU Foreign Ministers will discuss the situation in Syria at their EU Council meeting in Luxembourg on Monday 14 October, chaired by UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)