Akar, Jeffrey discuss Syria

National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and United States' Syria envoy James Jeffrey discussed the latest developments in Syria, particularly in Manbij and the east of the Euphrates, in a meeting in Istanbul late Wednesday (May 1), Turkey's Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Earlier on Wednesday, Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalın met with Jeffrey at the Presidential Complex in Ankara to discuss latest developments in Syria.

Kalın and Jeffrey discussed how establishing a safe zone would ease Turkey's security concerns and clear the region of terrorist groups, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

As the US continues its preparations to draw down its presence in Syria, Turkey has aired its concern about Washington's support for YPG/PKK terrorists in northeastern Syria.

In response to Turkey's concerns, Jeffrey earlier this month said that the US will continue working on an established safe zone along the Turkish-Syrian border in which YPG would withdraw to ensure it remains free of any threat to Turkey.

In December 2018, Turkish President Erdogan announced that Ankara was preparing for a third offensive in northern Syria, this time east of the Euphrates, which is dominated by the YPG, to rid the region of terrorists.

Based on DS