EU calls for calm in Syria

The European Union has called for calming the situation in northern Syria and warned that new conflicts could lead to a major population ecstasy, responding to Turkey's announcement that its troops would launch an attack on the border area.

European Commission spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said the renovation of armed hostilities in northeast Syria would not only exacerbate the sufferings of civilians and lead to mass deportation, but would also seriously undermine current political efforts.

She said the EU remains committed to Syria's <x0-> sovereignty and territorial integrity” and that a long-term solution to the conflict “will not be achieved by military means, but requires more of a real political transition”, Kosovo Press broadcast.

Turkey has threatened to undertake a military operation to push Syrian Kurdish fighters from the border region, in which it wants to form a secure “area” in reconciliation with the US.