US, Russia reject proposal to condemn Turkey's op

NEW YORK The U.S. and Russia did not approve Thursday a proposal issued by five European countries in UN Security Council (UNSC) to condemn Turkey's ongoing Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria. At the request of England, Germany, France, Belgium and Poland, UNSC discussed the latest developments in northeastern Syria and Turkey's operation in a closed session. While Germany "strongly condemned" the ongoing operation, the U.S. and Russia did not use the word "condemn" in their statements. After the meeting, Kelly Craft, the UN ambassador of the U.S., said Washington does not support Turkey's operation decision. Turkey is responsible for the protection of Kurds and minority populations, as well as preventing any humanitarian crisis in the region, she said. She added that Turkey is also responsible for keeping detained Daesh terrorists in prisons and preventing any possible re-structuring of the terror group. Five European countries made a joint statement following the closed session of the Council to voice their "deep concern" on Turkey's military operation in Syria and they called on Turkey to "stop its unilateral operation".