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US "very concerned," urges Turkey to exercise restraint in NW Syria

WASHINGTON, Jan 21 (KUNA) -- As expressed by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in calls to his Turkish and Russian counterparts yesterday, the US is "very concerned" about situation in northwest Syria, "especially the plight of innocent civilians who are now faced with an escalation in fighting." "We continue to be supportive of addressing the legitimate security concerns of Turkey as a NATO ally and critical partner in the effort to defeat ISIS," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement Sunday, referring to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the so-called Islamic State.
"However, we urge Turkey to exercise restraint and ensure that its military operations remain limited in scope and duration and scrupulous to avoid civilian casualties.
"We call on all parties to remain focused on the central goal of defeating ISIS," Nauert said. "Now is the time for great nations to work together to secure a peaceful stability for the people of Syria." (end) rm.bs