Macron expresses ‘concern’ over Turkish offensive in Afrin

PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday expressed "concern" over Turkey’s military offensive in Afrin in Syria, telling Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan it was vital that humanitarian aid be allowed to reach the area.

In a statement released by his office on Saturday, the Elysee said that Macron had talked with Erdogan via telephone on Friday.

And during that conversation, the French leader had emphasised the "strategic importance of our partnership with Turkey, particularly in the fight against terrorism and in all other regional crises."

It was important to pay attention to the security interests of Turkey, "our ally within Nato," Macron said.

At the same time, he reiterated France’s "very clear expression of concern over the launch of the Turkish military intervention in Afrin and the need to allow full access to humanitarian aid to civilian populations."

And he said "top priority" should be given to the fight against the Islamic State "which is for France a national security issue."