Luxembourg Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Jean Asselborn has written to NATO regarding the damaging effects of the Turkish operation “Olive Branch” in Syria.

Following the interrogations raised by many parliamentarians and the motion adopted during the debate on foreign policy that took place on 14 March 2018 in the Chamber of Deputies in Luxembourg, Minister Jean Asselborn wrote to the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to draw attention to the continued deterioration of the situation in Syria, including in and around Afrin.

Since the launch of Operation Olive Branch by Turkish forces, humanitarian access has been severely reduced. While recognising Turkey's security concerns, Minister Asselborn has expressed his fear that this operation will result in a real disaster.

The head of Luxembourg diplomacy believes that NATO should closely monitor the situation in Afrin through regular briefings to the North Atlantic Council, and that contacts with the Turkish authorities should be stressed that their operation must respect international law, including the principles of proportionality and necessity. Jean Asselborn showed particular concern for humanitarian access and the suffering of the civilian population.

The minister recalled that there is no military solution for the conflict in Syria. Only a political process led by the Syrians, leading to a peaceful and inclusive transition, in accordance with the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and based on the principles of the June 2012 Geneva communiqué, will restore stability in Syria. This process must- according to Asselborn- promote peace and reconciliation and create the necessary environment for the fight against terrorism, while maintaining the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria.