European Parliament calls for no-fly zone in North and East Syria

STRASBURG, France — On Tuesday, during a plenary session in Strasbourg, France, members of the European Parliament condemned the Turkish attacks on North and East Syria and northern Iraq. Some lawmakers demanded a no-fly zone be established and international recognition of the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) of North and East Syria.

“The EU calls for restraint and for urgent de-escalation,” said the European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli, adding that Turkey needs to act in a responsible manner and contribute to regional stability and security.

She pointed out that the Turkish security concerns from North and East Syria must be addressed through political and diplomatic means and not through military action.

Several MEPs also called for establishing a no-fly zone over northern Syria in order to compel Turkey to cease its operations in the area. They noted the important role played by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the stability of the region.

“We must stop the airstrikes in the north of Syria by setting up a no-fly zone. We need to have this peaceful DAA. They fought the Islamic State in alliance with the US and with Europe. This should be internationally recognized. This area has never been a threat to Turkey, it is quite the contrary,” said French MEP Francois Alfonsi.