APD | Germany proposes security zone for Syria

By APD writer Aditya Nugraha

Germany Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer proposed the establishment of an internationally-controlled security zone in Syria following military operation to oust Kurdish militias carried out by Turkish troops and Syrian fighters.

She said on Tuesday that creation of an internationally-controlled security zone with the inclusion of Turkey and Russia may deescalate situation in northern Syria.

German parliament would need to decide on whether German troops could participate in such a zone, Kramp-Karrenbauer said.

She added the proposal has been conveyed to Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Military operation in northern Syria to oust Kurdish militias commenced earlier this month shortly after the pullout of the United States troops from the area. Kurdish militias were Washington’s ally in the United States war against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group.

Turkey regards Kurdish militias as terrorists for their decades-long reputation to breach security inside Turkish territory.

Turkey also planned to open a safe zone in northern Syria to return part of Syrian refugees currently sheltered in Turkish refugee camps.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)