German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned Turkey's offensive in northern Syria during a press conference alongside Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg in Berlin on Tuesday, urging the country to cease operations during a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg.

"We think that this offensive [Turkey in Syria] should be stopped regardless of the possible justified security concerns because it results in much human suffering obviously and also much insecurity regarding the fight against the Islamic State," Merkel stated. "I think the consequences which the EU has drawn yesterday are important and I am happy that there was unity there. Surely this will be a topic within NATO too," Merkel added.

Solberg supported the Chancellor's position pointing out that it is important however, to have Turkey inside NATO. "It's important to be firm against Turkey. That's the reason why we also suspended any military equipment sales to Turkey quite immediately," Solberg said. "I think it's better to have Turkey inside NATO than outside NATO to be honest. I think it's important to have them inside our family and discussion. I think it is easier to work with them that way," the Norwegian prime minister added.

Commenting on Brexit, Merkel expressed trust in EU chief negotiator on Brexit Michel Barnier.