Turkey awaits results of US study on safe zones in Syria

Turkey has always supported the idea of safe zones in Syria but would need to review any U.S. plans before commenting on a draft executive order that is expected to be signed by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding safe zones in Syria, Ankara has said.

"We have seen the U.S. president's request to conduct a study. What's important is the results of this study and what kind of recommendation will come out," Müftüoğlu told reporters at a press briefing in Ankara on Jan. 26.

His comments came after Trump pledged to order safe zones in Syria. "I will absolutely do safe zones in Syria for the people," Trump said Jan. 25.

The U.S. president was set to order the Pentagon and State Department to act in accordance to the implementation of safe zones in Syria, Reuters reported.

"The Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, is directed within 90 days of the date of this order to produce a plan to provide safe areas in Syria and in the surrounding region in which Syrian nationals displaced from their homeland can await firm settlement, such as repatriation or potential third-country resettlement," the draft order said seen by Reuters. 

The Kremlin said on Jan. 26 that Trump's administration should consider the implications of establishing a safe zone in Syria, adding that the U.S. had not consulted Russia before the declaration.

"No, our American partners did not consult with us. It's a sovereign decision," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a conference call with reporters. "It is important that this [the plan] does not exacerbate the situation with refugees, but probably all the consequences ought to be weighed up." 

"Setting up of safe zones is something Turkey has advocated from the...