Speaking to reporters at a joint press conference with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, Erdogan said the safe zone, which he proposed to host Syrians fleeing the war, is now just a name and the de-escalation zone in Idlib region is slowly disappearing because of military attacks by Assad regime militias.
On Aug. 7, Turkish and US military officials agreed to set up a safe zone and develop a peace corridor running from the Euphrates River to the Iraqi border to facilitate the return of displaced Syrians currently living in Turkey to their home country and provide security for Turkish border settlements and military outposts. They also agreed to establish a joint operations center.
The president said the safe zone idea was received well by the nations he discussed it with, but no further action was taken.
"They say 'It's a very good project' but when it comes to take action, we unfortunately see no support. The safe zone is nothing more than a name right now," he said.
For his part, Babis praised the safe zone proposal and added: "Turkey is not requesting to be handed money, it's calling for a zone with homes and schools to be built."
Speaking about attacks on Idlib, Erdogan said Turkey was taking all the necessary steps against any attacks or provocations but warned that Idlib was slowly being destroyed.
Reminding that the US has started carrying out airstrikes on Idlib too, the president said: "Idlib is slowly disappearing. Idlib is being torn down into rubble just like Aleppo."
Erdogan said he would make all necessary contacts with parties in the region to find a solution to the situation in Idlib.
"We have an upcoming three-way meeting with Russia and Iran. We will discuss what can be done. We hope to take some of the steps before Geneva," Erdogan said
He also said Idlib would be the most important issue during his meeting with US President Donald Trump as part of the United Nations General Assembly later in September.
The escalating violence in Idlib has shattered a deal reached in September between Russia and Turkey to establish a buffer zone.
Based on DS
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