"My Way or the Highway" No agreement with US until settlement of Syria no-fly zone issue: Pres. Erdoğan (HD).
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said Ankara and Washington are “on the same page” about equipping and training moderate Syrian rebels, but differences remain over the no-fly zone and safe zone issues, thwarting the striking of a deal.
“No commitment has yet been given by the coalition powers, particularly about a no-fly zone and safe zone,” Erdoğan told reporters at a joint news conference with visiting Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite late on Dec. 8.
“This is an issue being negotiated between our delegations. There seems to be a consensus in the equip-train [program planned for Syrian rebels], but unfortunately there has been no consensus over the two other issues yet,” said Erdoğan.
In his remarks on Dec. 8, Erdoğan reiterated the Turkish government’s insistence on a safe zone, suggesting “a ground operation of moderate Syrian rebels, supported by airstrikes and a buffer along the border” as the key to successfully stemming the potential flow of Syrian refugees to Turkey.
“It is not possible to have results with just an air operation. There should be a ground operation. The ground operation should be supported with an air operation and the FSA is already prepared to take part in this ground operation if they can get the necessary training and equipment,” Erdoğan stated.
“If this support is given, an air-supported ground operation, the establishment of a safe zone would hamper immigration,” he added. Hmmm....NATO 'Ally'.....yeah sure.
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