Olaf Scholz calls for cessation of Turkish attacks in Syria and Iraq

"We are concerned about possible civilian casualties in the affected areas and call on Turkey to stop the attacks," said the German Chancellor's office on his behalf in view of the Turkish attacks on northern Syria and northern Iraq.

For the first time, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's office has spoken out clearly on his behalf about the Turkish attacks on northern and eastern Syria. Through his office in the SPD party executive, Olaf Scholz announced: "The attacks on Kurdish positions in Syria and northern Iraq are disproportionate and not covered by international law. In particular, the announcements of attacks as a retaliatory measure are irritating. We are concerned about possible civilian casualties in the affected areas and call on Turkey to stop the attacks."

The statement came as a result of the involvement of the Families for Peace Association (Familien für den Frieden), which had called on MPs to take action. On Wednesday, Olaf Scholz's office in the SPD party executive reacted and condemned the Turkish attacks.

The association welcomed the statement, saying, "Neither the SPD executive nor Olaf Scholz have yet made such clear words publicly for the federal government. From our perspective, it is important that the German government follows words with deeds and, above all, makes public the demand to Turkey to stop the attacks."

Civaka Azad, the Kurdish Centre for Public Relations in Berlin, also described Olaf Scholz's statement as an important sign and stated: "Members of all parties in the traffic light coalition have now taken a public stand against Turkish aggression towards northern Syria. That is also important. But what follows from this? The attacks on the people and critical infrastructure in northern and eastern Syria continue. Turkey continues to break international law and deepen the humanitarian crisis that is already prevalent in the region. Practical steps are needed now to stop Turkey's attacks. There is a need for political consequences, sanctions, the cessation of arms deliveries. And there is a need for support for the people on the ground, the closure of airspace over the region, the recognition of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. The German government can lead the way here."