Egypt condemns Turkish attacks in Syria but Qatar defends them

CAIRO – 27 October 2019: Egypt reiterated its condemnation of the Turkish aggression in the Syrian territory, during the preparatory meetings of the 18th summit of Non-Aligned Movement in Azerbaijan's capital of Baku held from October 25-26, state's MENA reported, citing the Egyptian delegation.

The Egyptian delegation also voiced its rejection to give Turkey the opportunity to speak at the summit of the 120-member group.

The delegation called the Turkish aggression, in light of the recent offensive in northeastern Syria and other relevant attacks, a "violation of the sovereignty of a member state of the Non-Aligned Movement, and a violation of the Charter of the United Nations and the rules of international law," adding that such crimes require strong condemnation by the movement and international community.

The offensive caused the death of dozens of civilians and the displacement of thousands others, according to war monitors.

The Qatari delegation, on the other side, defended the Turkish attacks in Syria as an alleged "right of self-defense," MENA reported, adding that delegations from Pakistan, Malaysia and Zambia also backed this view.

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Saturday expressed Egypt's rejection of attacks against Syria, in his speech at the summit, MENA reported, citing Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez.

Syria's coming under a new attack and occupation of its northern area is violation of international law, he added.

Shoukry urged an immediate stoppage of aggression and the withdrawal of the attacking forces.

He also underlined the necessity of starting a political process in implementation of the United Nations Security Council 2254, added the spokesman.

Shoukry further underscored the importance of confronting any attempt that is aimed at dividing countries or destroying their national institutions, said the spokesman.