The US and Turkey continue joint work for the proposed safe zone in Syria
Northern Syria – North-Press Agency
The meeting of the US Special Representative for Syria James Jeffrey with the Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, yesterday, led to an agreement to continue the joint work at the ministry’s headquarters in Ankara beginning on Tuesday regarding the establishment of a safe zone in Syria.
The Turkish Defense Minister discussed with the US special envoy to Syria the establishment of a safe zone east of the Euphrates River and expressed Ankara’s resentment by the meeting of the high-level U.S. civilian and military officials with SDF leaders.
In a statement, the Turkish Defense Ministry said that the two sides have discussed the establishment of a “safe zone” east of the Euphrates, and the latest developments in Syria, particularly the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS).
During the meeting, Akar stressed the necessity of establishing the safe zone in coordination between Turkey and the United States, in addition to the necessity of withdrawing SDF heavy weapons, and preparing the suitable conditions for the return of the displaced Syrians to their country.
The meeting in Ankara coincided with another meeting between the Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces, General Mazloum Abdi, with the Commander of the U.S. Central Command, General Kenneth F. McKenzie, and the U.S.
Ambassador William Roback, yesterday, during which a number of issues were discussed topped by the Turkish threats to the region.
SDF Commander-in-Chief, General Mazloum Abdi said: “We have met with General Kenneth McKenzie, and discussed several issues, including the current problems on the border with Turkey and the ways to resolve them”.
Gen. Abdi stressed on common visions between the two sides (the US and SDF) regarding the confrontation the current problems that threaten the security of the region.