EU calls for arms limit on Turkey
(VOVWORLD) - EU members on Monday pledged to suspend weapons exports to Turkey in response to Ankara's incursion into northern Syria, but stopped short of implementing a formal EU-wide arms embargo.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told reporters on Monday that the EU should be concerned about Turkey’s campaign in Syria as it could destabilize Syria, but stressed the need to maintain communications with Ankara.
US President Donald Trump said Monday he will issue new sanctions against Turkey, halt trade negotiations, and increase steel tariffs, to pressure Ankara to stop attacking Kurdish forces. The steel tariffs will return to 50%, the level prior to the reduction in May. The US will also immediately suspend the negotiations being led by the Department of Commerce on a 100 billion USD trade deal with Turkey.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Russia wants Turkey to ensure that its military incursion into northern Syria is proportionate to the situation and won’t jeopardize efforts to find a political solution to Syria’s eight-year war. Mr. Ushakov said he and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will discuss thoroughly Turkey’s campaign in Syria.
Turkish President Erdogan on Monday said Ankara will not back down from the Syria offensive.