Germany: Merkel urges Turkey to cease operations in northern Syria

M/S German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg entering press conference, Berlin
M/S Photographers
W/S Press conference
SOT, Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany (German): "As I have already said, from my side, we think that this offensive [Turkey in Syria] should be stopped regardless of the possible justified security concerns because it results in much human suffering obviously and also much insecurity regarding the fight against the Islamic State."
C/U Camera *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany (German): "I think the consequences which the EU has drawn yesterday are important and I am happy that there was unity there. Surely this will be a topic within NATO too."
W/S Press conference in progress *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany (German): "Regarding Brexit we count on the talks that are taking place in Brussels. Chief negotiator Michel Barnier will give us his evaluation at the end of the day and we will look into what this will mean for the European Council."
M/S Merkel and Solberg *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway: "Norway joins Germany and the EU in condemning Turkey's military operations in Syria. We are deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation in the area. So we urge Turkey yo immediately cease operation and to respect international law. And I think that's the most important message that we can give. They should stop the fighting."
M/S Press conference in progress *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway: "It's important to be firm against Turkey. That's the reason why we also suspended any military equipment sales to Turkey quite immediately. It will not be in line with our export regulation although it's an ally inside NATO. I think it's better to have Turkey inside NATO than outside NATO to be honest. I think it's important to have them inside our family and discussion. I think it is easier to work with them that way."
C/U Flags of European Union, Germany and Norway
M/S Merkel and Solberg leaving
SCRIPT
German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned Turkey's offensive in northern Syria during a press conference alongside Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg in Berlin on Tuesday, urging the country to cease operations during a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg.
"We think that this offensive [Turkey in Syria] should be stopped regardless of the possible justified security concerns because it results in much human suffering obviously and also much insecurity regarding the fight against the Islamic State," Merkel stated. "I think the consequences which the EU has drawn yesterday are important and I am happy that there was unity there. Surely this will be a topic within NATO too," Merkel added.
Solberg supported the Chancellor's position pointing out that it is important however, to have Turkey inside NATO. "It's important to be firm against Turkey. That's the reason why we also suspended any military equipment sales to Turkey quite immediately," Solberg said. "I think it's better to have Turkey inside NATO than outside NATO to be honest. I think it's important to have them inside our family and discussion. I think it is easier to work with them that way," the Norwegian prime minister added.
Commenting on Brexit, Merkel expressed trust in EU chief negotiator on Brexit Michel Barnier.