Presidential spokesman says, Turkey has ‘serious worries’ about Syrian truce

Erdogan described as a “great lie” the notion that the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, which is seen as a hostile insurgent force by Ankara but has enjoyed U.S. backing, was being given support because it was fighting Islamic State.

“If you look at the text of the agreement, it does not specifically mention Turkey or Saudi Arabia, although I suppose you could infer them for mention of the ‘U.S.-led coalition, ‘ which of course they are not really members. If we see a further worsening of the situation we will take further measures”, Kalin told reporters in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s palace in Ankara.

“All must know that this ceasefire is only valid for Syria and the warring sides in the country”, he told the media during a trip to Turkey’s Konya province.

Rodi Said/ReutersFighters of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) carry their weapons at a military training camp in Ras al-Ain February 13, 2015. The US, on the other hand, says the YPG is an effective force against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and supports it in the fight against the extremist group.

But Kalin said the partnership with the U.S.in Syria’s YPG had emboldened the PKK to defy calls to lay down their weapons by its own leader, Abdullah Ocalan, and resume its fight against Turkey a year ago.

WFP said the debriefing with the crew and partners on the ground in Deir el-Zour has revealed that due to changing weather conditions and unexpected high winds over the area, 10 of the 21 food pallets that were airdropped drifted away and are now unaccounted for.

As part of the deal, Russian Federation has agreed to halt its air campaign against groups that would respect the truce. “When one party poses a threat to Turkey, and Turkey’s security is under threat, this cease-fire is not binding for us”, he remarked.

Fighting on the ground in Syria is reported to have intensified since Russian Federation became involved in September, supplying the then-beleaguered Syrian government forces with new weapons and support from the air.

The ceasefire deal was announced on Monday by Moscow and Washington, but does not apply to the Islamic State group or Al-Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda affiliate.

“We will negotiate all issues with our allies and friendly countries but Turkey’s national security is never a matter for negotiation”, added the presidential spokesman.

In the push on Khanaser, the Syrian army and pro-government Shiite militias were backed by Russian airstrikes, The Observatory said.

The PKK is deemed a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and European Union.

Saudi Arabia has been a key backer of the Syrian opposition and rebel factions, whereas Russian Federation has been a longtime ally of Assad.

The SANA news agency says government troops on Friday took three villages near the town of Khanaser, which they recaptured from the IS group the previous day.