Turkey Condemns Macron's Meeting With Members Of YPG/PKK-Affiliated Group

Turkey condemned on Tuesday a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and members of the so-called Syrian Democratic Council, which is under the control of the YPG/PKK terror group.

"We condemn the meeting of French President Emmanuel Macron with the members of the so-called 'Syria Democratic Council' led by PYD/YPG, the offshoot of PKK terrorist organization in Syria," Foreign Ministry spokesman Tanju Bilgic said in a statement.

He said the ongoing relationship between France and "this separatist bloody-handed terrorist organization" and its affiliates undermines Turkey's national security as well as efforts to ensure regional stability and to preserve the political unity and territorial integrity of Syria.

"We also remind the French and international public opinion the facts that this organization suppressed with violent and bloody methods peaceful demonstrations of youngsters refusing to be recruited, shelled civilian targets such as Afrin hospital, attacked Syrian civilians including children and tortured detainees to death," it said. "We reiterate once more that Turkey will resolutely continue its fight against this terrorist organization and its affiliates everywhere."

Macron received a Syrian Democratic Council delegation at the Elysee Palace on Monday in Paris.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is PKK's Syrian offshoot.​​​​​​​ -