The Trump administration’s expressed interest in setting up safe zones for civilians in Syria is greeted with caution by Russia and Turkey, who have taken the lead in the latest peace efforts to end the Mideast country’s devastating six-year war.
Asked to comment on a draft executive order that Trump is expected to sign this week, a spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin says it is important to “weigh all possible consequences” of the measure.
Dmitry Peskov says in a conference call with reporters that the US hasn’t consulted with Russia on the subject and notes that “it’s important not to exacerbate the situation with refugees.”
A Turkish official says his country has always supported the idea of safe zones in Syria but would need to review any US plans before commenting.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Huseyin Muftuoglu tells reporters that Turkey has “seen the reports on a request for a study on the safe zone,” adding that “what is important is to see the result of these studies.”
There is no indication on how a safe zone would look or how it would be enforced.
— AP
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