US Still Cool To Idea Of Buffer Zone, No-Fly Zone In Syria

US Department of State spokesperson Jen Psaki has reiterated that the US is not warm to the idea of establishing a buffer zone in Syria against the threat of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in the region.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Psaki echoed the remarks of Gen. Martin Dempsey, the US chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on Friday, and rejected the idea of a buffer zone in Syria.

“I know Gen. Dempsey spoke to this on Friday, and I believe his comment was it's not something we're currently -- is currently a part of our plan. Nothing has changed since then, so obviously, if it's something we're considering, we'll let you all know,” said Psaki.

"A buffer zone might at some point become a possibility, but that's not part of our campaign plan presently," Dempsey had said on Friday.

Recalling that Turkey and other countries have spoken about the establishment of a buffer zone publicly, Psaki said, “It's not an easy thing to implement if there were a decision to do that, but if we decide to do it or if we're actively considering it, I'm sure we can talk more about it.”

Asked about the reasons behind Turkey's reluctance to support the coalition against ISIL, Psaki reminded the reporters about the hostage crisis.

“I think it's important to note, though, that they made every effort, and not only did they participate in the meeting in -- at NATO, they came to Saudi Arabia. They've wanted to be a part of the discussion at every point in the process. Obviously, fortunately, the hostages have been returned,” Psaki said.

She also pointed to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's speech over the weekend as giving a strong message of Turkey's interest in playing a role in the coalition.

Referring to the motion at the Turkish Parliament, Psaki said: “As you all know, there's a discussion in Parliament. We won't get too far ahead of that, but that is consistent, certainly, with the conversations that [US State Department] Secretary [John] Kerry and -- as well as the vice president [Joe Biden] had with Turkish officials over the course of last week.”

Psaki pointed out that Erdoğan made it clear during his speech over the weekend that Turkey does not want to remain on the sidelines.

According to Turkish press reports on Wednesday, Turkish officials are considering establishing a "secure zone" inside Syria on their own if the coalition forces are unlikely to support this idea.

(Cihan/Today's Zaman)