Tri-Service

"Turkey Will Create Syria 'Safe Zone' For Civilians"

The Turkish Prime Minister says his country is determined to set up a 'safe zone' just across the border from Turkey, in northern Syria.

Ahmet Davutoglu says civilians would be safe from attack by either Islamic State militants or the Syrian government in the buffer zone.

But America says it hasn't done a deal with Turkey to create the safe zone.

Earlier this week an official from the country reportedly said it had 'agreed terms' with the US over the plan, but a spokesman from the US State Department says that's not the case.

Turkey’s president, meanwhile, has warned the country will use military force if threatened.

It comes as signs of diplomatic progress in Syria are beginning to be seen, with ceasefires declared in parts of the country between rebels and pro-government forces.

They're said to have been brokered by Turkey and Iran, and come as the Iranian Foreign Minister visits Syria’s President Assad.

A series of meetings are now being held to try to find a solution to the crisis in the country.

Cover photo courtesy of the Foreign Office via Flickr.