U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on all parties in Syria to exercise maximum restraint, amid Turkey’s preparations to start a military operation in the north of the country. The UN spokesman, Stephane Dujarric stated this after the United States began pulling troops back from the area. He said, Mr. Guterres is greatly concerned, especially at the risk to civilians in any escalation of fighting.
Mr Dujarric said the U.N. chief emphasized that civilians must be protected, and all parties must guarantee sustained, unimpeded and safe humanitarian access to civilians in need.
The spokesman also said that Antonio Guterres has been in contact with all relevant parties in the region regarding the matter and reiterated that there is no military solution to the Syrian conflict.
