EU Countries Unanimously Condemn Turkey's Operation into Northern Syria

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The European Union (EU) countries have unanimously condemned Turkey's military operation into Syria which is on the sixth day.

The "Operation Peace Spring" topped the agenda of EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg today (October 14). The operation will also be discussed in the leaders summit on October 17-18.

"The EU condemns Turkey's military action, which seriously undermines the stability and the security of the whole region, resulting in more civilians suffering and further displacement and severely hindering access to humanitarian assistance," said a joint statement by the foreign ministers.

However, the ministers could not agree to impose an EU-wide arms embargo on Ankara. So far, Germany, France, Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands have halted arms exports to Turkey. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Turkey's foreign minister, played down the move, saying that it will "only strengthen" Turkey.

CLICK - Which Countries Have Stopped Arms Export to Turkey After Syria Operation?

"Taking into account the fact that Turkey's military action with its dramatic consequences is still ongoing, the EU recalls the decision taken by some Member States to immediately halt arms exports licensing to Turkey," the statement said.

The foreign ministers also stated that the "EU will not provide stabilization or development assistance where the rights of local populations are violated." Turkey plans to resettle millions of refugees in the area it plans to capture in northern Syria from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). (PT/VK)