Turkish Call for Syria Safe Zone Criticized

If the ceasefire succeeds, the regime and the opposition parties will start political negotiations led by Turkey and Russian Federation in the Kazakhstan capital, Astana, the Anadolu report said.

Several tanks, military transport vehicles and at least 10 artillery units including cannons were sent to Oguzeli and Karkamis in southeastern Turkey, state news agency Anadolu reported. Turkey is concerned that Kurdish territorial gains in Syria could lead to a new state there, emboldening the separatist aspirations of its own Kurds.

The Anadolu report said that unspecified “terrorist organizations” would be excluded from the deal.

Turkey has rushed tanks and heavy weapons to its border and blamed the US-led coalition for inadequate air support after Erdogan’s forces encountered deadly resistence from ISIS militants – 14 Turkish troops were killed.

The source said Syrian political negotiations would begin with Turkey and Russia’s guidance in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, if the cease-fire is successful.

Erdogan’s announcement came just one day after Former US Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein accused Washington of backing terrorist groups when it serves its interests. The bilateral proposal reportedly aims to advance the political process outlined in the United Nations resolution on Syria.

Turkey, a member of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, has harbored figures from Syrian rebel groups, such as the Free Syrian Army, within its borders, funded them and armed them.

Turkey on Monday said it wanted global air support for its army’s assault on the Daesh-held Syrian town of Al Bab where the military is facing tough resistance from extremists.

Mr Erdogan also said on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia and Qatar should join its meeting with Russian Federation and Iran to discuss Syrian peace efforts.

Turkey’s foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, said that while text for a truce is ready, a “political transition” is not possible regarding Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.