Turkey's Ambassador to New Zealand has criticised the United States of America's stance as the situation at the Turkish-Syria border escalates.
Kurdish forces are struggling to contain ISIS fighters at camps in north-east Syria, with hundreds of fighters and supporters having escaped from camp sites since the start of Turkey's offensive in the region.
The former US allies are now getting help from Syrian government forces to help them fend off Turkey's invasion — a major shift in alliances that came after President Donald Trump ordered all U.S. troops withdrawn from the northern border area amid the rapidly deepening chaos.
In response to the conflict, Trump has placed sanctions on Turkey, which includes cutting short trade deal talks and heightening tariffs.
Turkey's Ambassador to New Zealand Ahmet Ergin told Heather du Plessis-Allan the US is constantly sending confusing and conflicting signals on its position.
"Every day we are having a new set of tweets. There is no consistency from the US administration on this."Â
Ergin says he believes Trump gave Turkey the 'go ahead' to enter Syria.
Asked if the conflict will harm the battle against the IS, he says that Turkey is the only coalition partner to have conducted "chest-to-chest" fights against "these cruel terrorists". He says that Turkey does not distinguish between the Kurdish and IS fighters.
"You don't neutralise a terrorist element by using another terrorist element."Â
Earlier today, Winston Peters called on Turkey to comply with international law.
The Foreign Affairs Minister is acknowledging the country's domestic security concerns, but says Turkey’s cross-border actions risk harming civilians.
He says it undermines hard-won gains made in the fight against ISIS.
Peters says the group remains a threat, and there are real risks it may take advantage of the Turkish offensive to re-establish itself in Syria.
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