*WASHINGTON DC: *President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday the UnitedStates is lifting sanctions on Turkey, hailing the success of a ceasefirealong its border with Syria.
The president, who has been under fire for abruptly withdrawing US troopsfrom northern Syria, paving the way for Turkey to launch a deadly offensiveagainst the Kurds, added that a “small number” of US troops would remain inthe conflict-hit country.
“Earlier this morning, the government of Turkey informed my administrationthat they would be stopping combat and their offensive in Syria and makingthe ceasefire permanent,” he said in a televised address from the WhiteHouse.
“I have, therefore, instructed the secretary of the Treasury to lift allsanctions imposed October 14 in response to Turkey’s original offensivemoves against the Kurds in Syria’s northeast border region,” he added.
His announcement came after a deal struck on Tuesday in Sochi, under whichRussia and Syria will “facilitate the removal” from the border region ofKurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) fighters, US allies against theIslamic State group.
It will also see Turkey preserve a “safe zone” inside Syria about 75 mileslong and 20 miles deep. Russia and Turkey will eventually launch jointpatrols along the zone.
Read Top Stories
Trump said some troops would remain in Syria’s oil fields despite a broaderAmerican withdrawal from the country.
“We have secured the oil and, therefore, a small number of US troops willremain in the area where they have the oil,” he said.
Trump warned that “crippling” sanctions could be reimposed if Turkey failedto honour its obligation to protect religious and ethnic minorities.-APP/AFP
