WASHINGTON (AP) – The secretary-general of NATO is urging Turkey not to “further destabilize the region” through its military action in northern Syria.
Jens Stoltenberg told a news conference in Rome that Turkey, a NATO ally, “has legitimate security concerns,” having suffered “horrendous terrorist attacks” and hosting thousands of refugees.
He said NATO has been informed about Turkey’s ongoing operation in northern Syria. And he added ”it is important to avoid actions that may further destabilize the region, escalate tensions and cause more human suffering.”
He said Turkey should act with “restraint” and any action should be “proportionate.”
Stoltenberg will discuss the military action with Turkey’s leader on Friday in Istanbul.
