Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu criticized Russia’s violent airstrikes on Syria, particularly on Aleppo, stressing that “no one can tolerate or approve the ongoing Russian airstrikes that amount to ethnic cleansing.”
At a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Ankara on Monday, Davutoglu said that Russia’s ongoing aerial bombardment on Syria has caused large civilian casualties.
“Aleppo is de facto under siege. We are on the verge of a new human tragedy,” Davutoglu warned. He pointed out that the recent developments show Russia and the Assad regime are not serious about making peace in Syria.
The Turkish premier pointed out that at least 30,000 refugees fleeing the Russia-backed offensive on Aleppo are waiting at the Turkish border. “As we always do, we will address the needs of our Syrian brothers and sisters and take them in when needed,” Davutoglu said.
Davutoglu called on all parties to the Syrian conflict to abide by UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and to stop the inhumane attacks on Aleppo. Davutoglu said: “We have decided to move the file of the Assad regime and Russian attacks against civilians to the United Nations and to consult with the international active sides on this issue.”
German chancellor Angela Merkel criticized Russia for conducting airstrikes in Syria that have forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee, suggesting they were in violation of a UN Security Council resolution 2254 that Moscow signed in December.
Merkel said that she was “not just appalled but horrified” by the suffering caused by the bombing in Syria, primarily by Russia.
The German Chancellor added that Turkey and Germany would push at the United Nations for all sides to adhere to a UN resolution passed in December that calls for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians in Syria, especially using indiscriminate weapons. (Source: Anadolu Agency)
