UN envoy calls Turkey's security concerns over northeast Syria 'legitimate'

A UN official said on Wednesday Turkey's security concerns for northeast Syria are "legitimate" and these concerns need to be taken into account.

The constitutional committee in Syria will bridge the differences between the sides in Syrian crisis, Geir Pedersen, UN special envoy to Syria, said in a press conference at the Geneva Office.

Pedersen said he intends to hold the committee's first meeting in Geneva on Oct. 30.

Responding to a question on Turkey's possible operation in northeast Syria, he said the situation needs to be handled with respect to Syria's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

"Legitimate Turkish security concerns need to be taken into account," Pedersen added.

Turkish and U.S. military officials agreed on Aug. 7 to set up a safe zone in northern Syria and develop a peace corridor to facilitate the movement of displaced Syrians who want to return to their homeland.

Turkey has long decried the threat from terrorists east of the Euphrates in northern Syria, pledging military action to prevent the formation of a "terrorist corridor" there.