Ankara: safe zone in Syria should be established fast

Safe zone in northern Syria should be established fast and finalized, we do not have time to waste, Turkish defense minister Hulusi Akar said.

"We are closely following developments in the east of the Euphrates and our army is ready in all aspects," Akar said, speaking to journalists after a reception in Ankara.

He noted that Turkey wants to act in line with the spirit of NATO alliance and strategic partnership.

"Our demand is purely humanitarian, there is a tragedy in Syria. We want people to return to their home in peace and security. This can happen when terrorists are cleared out," Anadolu Agency cited the minister as saying.