Germany rejects U.S. call to deploy ground troops to SyriaJuly 9, 2019 - 10:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Germany has turned down a request from Washington to deploy ground forces in Syria as the U.S. military looks to scale back its presence in the region, describing the proposal as inconsistent with Berlin’s “well-known” policy, RT reports. U.S. Special Representative for Syria Engagement James Jeffrey has confirmed that he had asked the German government to provide troops to replace a portion of U.S. forces currently stationed in Syria. He said the request was part of Washington’s preparations for an eventual U.S. military withdrawal in the country. Berlin didn’t wait long before issuing a curt “nein” to its transatlantic ally. “When I say the government envisages sticking to the current measures in the anti-Islamic State (military) coalition, this includes no ground troops, as is well known,” government spokesman Steffen Seibert said during a news conference on Monday, July 8. The response shouldn’t come as a shock to Washington. Germany has generally been wary of a direct military intervention in Syria. In May of last year, Chancellor Angela Merkel assured the public that the Bundeswehr “will not participate in possible military actions.” While Germany has shunned the idea, Jeffrey seems confident that other U.S. allies will commit to sending troops to Syria. The U.S. diplomat told Defense One that he expects a “breakthrough” agreement in the coming weeks, which would include coalition forces replacing U.S. troops as they withdraw from Syria. Damascus insists that the Western military presence in Syria is illegitimate, pledging to liberate “every inch” of the country from uninvited foreign troops. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |