Turkish & Syrian ambassadors clash at UNSC meeting over attacks

Ambassadors of Turkey and Syria clashed in their first meeting at the United Nations Security Council on October 24. The clash comes as Turkey launched its military action in Syria after Donald Trump pulled out the American forces. Turkey's ambassador, Feridun Sinirlioglu, called the Turkish military stance a finite operation to counter-terrorism in order to put an end to the terror threat alongside the border they share with Syria. He further added their aim was also to respect and enforce Syria's territorial integrity and unity.

A series of arguments between Turkey and Syria

Bashar Ja'afari, Syria's ambassador told the United Nations council members that Syria is completely against Turkey's cross-border offensive and condemns the justification given by Turkey to justify the actions they term as "counter-terrorism" measures. 

In response to this, Feridun completely rebuffed his Syrian counterpart's attempt to call Turkey's counter-terrorism measures as something offensive. The Turkish ambassador further added that Operation Peace Spring was limited in nature.

Read: Car Bomb Targets Syrian Town Held By Turkey-backed Fighters

Bashar countered Turkey by accusing them of not adhering to the rules of International Law, such as the United Nations Charter and resolutions and called Turkey's response as a complete lie. He further added that the attacks in Syria led to a lot of people losing their lives and hundreds of people suffering injuries and numerous others who were rendered homeless. 

Ja'afari stated that many European council members berated Turkey for their military actions in Syria. However, he accused the Europeans of creating the present situation.

Read: US’s Esper Has Sharp Words For Turkey Over Syria Invasion

The Russia-Turkey ceasefire agreement

Russian ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, stated that the Russia-Turkey ceasefire agreement will play a very important role in normalizing the situation in Syria. He further assured Russia's help to Syria and the Kurds as they seek to table dialogue on these issues. In addition to this, Vassily said that Syria's allies, Russia and Iran alongside Turkey are planning to reach a comprehensive settlement to end the conflict in Syria.

"Terrorists"

Turkey views the Kurdish fighters in the northeastern part of Syria, who also fought alongside the American troops to eliminate the extremist group ISIS, as "terrorists" because of their connections to the Kurdistan Workers Party which is responsible for a 35-year long war against the Turkish state. 

Read: Trump Lifts Turkey Sanctions, Quits 'blood-stained' Syria

Read: Syria’s Assad Gets A Prize With US Withdrawal, Russia Deal

(With inputs from agencies)