Ankara has long sought a no-fly zone or secure area along the Syrian-Turkish border, but Washington has been expressing reluctance for such plans.

 
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said Ankara and Washington are “on the same page” about equipping and training moderate Syrian rebels, but differences remain over the no-fly zone and safe zone issues,President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said Ankara and Washington are “on the same page” about equipping and training moderate Syrian rebels, but differences remain over the no-fly zone and safe zone issues, thwarting the striking of a deal.

“No commitment has yet been given by the coalition powers, particularly about a no-fly zone and safe zone,” Erdoğan told reporters at a joint news conference with visiting Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite late on Dec. 8.

“This is an issue being negotiated between our delegations. There seems to be a consensus in the equip-train [program planned for Syrian rebels], but unfortunately there has been no consensus over the two other issues yet,” said Erdoğan.