US warns against normalization between Turkey and Syria

DARAMSUQ / WASHINGTON, D.C./ ANKARA — Following recent Turkish statements hinting at the normalization of relations with the Syrian regime, the Principal Deputy Spokesman for the Department of State Vedant Patel stated that the U.S. is concerned about such a move by Ankara.

The Syrian regime is known for its grave violations of human rights and Turkey should think carefully before taking such measures and risking being subjected to sanctions, he said.

“The U.S. does not intend to develop its diplomatic relationship with the Assad regime and does not support other countries’ normalization with it,” Patel stated.

Criticizing the Turkish government during his visit to Greece, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) stated that the policy decisions of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan constitute an obstacle to the development of the region.

Menendez stressed that Erdoğan’s stated desire to launch a new military campaign in North and East Syria and his antagonism towards Turkey’s neighbors is to cover up the economic crisis in Turkey.

Turkish provocations against Greek planes in the Aegean Sea are not acceptable to a country in NATO, Menendez added.

He also criticized Turkey’s rapprochement with Russia, indicating that Turkish-Russian relations are creating new problems for NATO.