Trump informed Erdogan of sanctions and demanded ceasefire

(Patria) – US President Donald Trump ordered sanctions against Turkey and in a phone call with Turkish President Erdogan demanded an immediate ceasefire.

The conversation between the two leaders was reported by US Vice President Mike Pence, who reiterated to the media that 'the US did not give Turkey the green light to enter Syria'.

While the situation in northeastern Syria is spiraling out of control with a growing number of civilian casualties and displaced persons, as well as the alarming escape of ISIS members and their families from prison, the US President issued an executive order to impose sanctions on 'current and former Turkish officials, as well as any persons contributing to Turkey's destabilizing actions in northeastern Syria'.

- This Order authorizes the United States to impose powerful additional sanctions against those who may be involved in serious human rights abuses, obstructing a ceasefire, preventing the return of displaced persons to their homes, forcibly returning refugees, or threatening the peace, security, or stability in Syria, Trump announced on his Twitter profile.

Trump also stated that he has frozen negotiations on a trade agreement with Turkey worth 100 billion US dollars. One of the measures is the reintroduction of a 50% tariff on Turkish iron. This measure was applied to Turkey last year as a form of pressure on the country to release American pastor Andrew Brunson from custody. In May, Trump restored the tariffs to 25%.

- I am completely ready to quickly destroy the Turkish economy if Turkish leaders continue to move in this dangerous and destructive direction, Trump stated on Monday.

President Trump also confirmed that he is withdrawing all 1,000 soldiers from northeastern Syria, although they will be 're-mobilized and remain in the region'. Some US forces will remain at the At Tanf garrison in southern Syria to deal with the 'remnants' of ISIS.

The Kurdish SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) led the campaign against ISIS, but the Turkish president categorically links them to Kurdish separatists in Turkey.

On Monday, the Kurds, through Russia, reached an agreement with Syrian President Assad to resist the Turkish invasion.

The US will also demand that the NATO alliance take strong measures against Turkey, especially due to military actions that led to the escape of captured ISIS members from the camp.

The US President's decision to withdraw troops from northeastern Syria has met with criticism from his party colleagues in and outside Congress.

Three Democratic senators called the sanctions 'good and justified', but insufficient, and announced that they would ask Republicans to join them in adopting a resolution calling on the US President to revoke the decision to withdraw US troops from northeastern Syria.

Trump again warned Turkey that it is responsible for the safety of civilians and minorities, as well as for holding captured ISIS members detained by Kurdish forces.

- I have been clear with President Erdogan – Turkey's actions are leading to a humanitarian crisis and creating conditions for possible war crimes, Trump said.