08/10/19

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is calling on the EU to take the strongest possible action to prevent a Turkish invasion of Syria, and immediately end its migration deal with Turkey.

The ETUC will make representations to the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs over its concerns that an invasion would put at risk the victory over ISIS and spark a major humanitarian crisis.

ETUC General Secretary Luca Visentini said:

“We call on European leaders to do everything within their power to stop a Turkish invasion of northern Syria, which we are deeply concerned will lead to major suffering for the Kurdish community and other minorities and further destabilise the region.

“This completely senseless attack would send Syria back to square one at a time when world leaders should be coming together to establish a political transition to peace and democracy that will allow millions of displaced Syrians to voluntarily return without fear of further violence.

“The Turkish government’s plan to force Syrian refugees into a farcically-named ‘safe zone’ proves it is completely irresponsible for the EU to deport people to Turkey under any circumstances. This must be the final straw for the disgraceful EU-Turkey migration deal.

“If the invasion goes ahead, an international emergency plan will be needed to help those refugees now in Turkish camps and those who will inevitably be displaced by military action.”