The resolution titled “Developments in Syria” adopted at the Arab League Summit held in Dahran, Saudi Arabia on 15 April, calling upon Turkey to withdraw its forces from Afrin and claiming that this would “support the efforts for finding a solution to the Syrian conflict” reveals that the aim of Operation Olive Branch has not been comprehended.

As we have reiterated time and again, Operation Olive Branch executed by the Turkish Armed Forces in Afrin is, first and foremost, a counter-terrorism operation for the purposes of self-defense. It also serves to preserve the political unity and territorial integrity of the country as it is executed against a terrorist organization that seeks to divide Syria.

Respect for political unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of countries is on top of the principles that Turkey holds dear.

Despite the fact that, since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, Turkey has assumed a heavy burden with respect to ending the suffering and bloodshed in this country, advancing the political process and hosting millions of displaced refugees, it is utterly unfortunate and unfair that Turkey’s contributions have been ignored in the said resolution.