Turkey minister says efforts with US on safe zone will end if delay happens

Turkish defense minister on Thursday warned that the efforts with the U.S. on establishment of a safe zone east of the Euphrates River in northern Syria will end if distraction or delay takes place, Anadolu Agency reported.

"We will continue negotiation and joint efforts [to establish a safe zone] as long as they meet our goals and objectives," Hulusi Akar said in the capital Ankara.
Previously, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said if the desired result on the zone is not achieved with the U.S. within two weeks, Turkey will start applying its own action plan.
On August 7, Turkish and U.S. military officials agreed 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 home. They also agreed to establish a joint operations center.
The agreement also envisaged setting up necessary security measures to address Turkey's security concerns.
Turkey has accused the U.S. of dragging its feet and having a different concept for the safe zone.
Reporter's code: 50101

Previous and next articles

Barham Salih, Nechirvan Barzani discuss Erbil-Baghdad ties

Erdogan plans to send 3 million refugees to Syria Kurdish region