PARIS
France backs the Turkish plan for a no-fly zone and safe haven at the Syrian border.
French President Francois Hollande said on Wednesday that he supports the idea of his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to create a no-fly zone and safe haven on the border between Turkey and Syria in order to accommodate refugees.
The two presidents have had telephone discussions about the "alarming" situation in northern Syria, especially in the city of Kobani, according to a statement released by the Elysée.
"The President has stressed the need to stop the massacre of the people in northern Syria. He said that the no-fly zone and safe haven would welcome and protect displaced persons."
Hollande and Erdogan also agreed on the necessity of providing aid to the moderate Syrian opposition fighting against both ISIL and against the regime of Bashar al-Assad.
Meanwhile, the two presidents also emphasized the importance of establishing an inclusive government in Iraq and the professional restructuring of the Iraqi army, as ISIL militants gain grounds in the country, Turkish presidential sources also said.
A US-led airstrike campaign was launched against ISIL targets in Iraq on August 9, with the support of France, the U.K. and Belgium, along with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
More than 170,000 people have crossed into Turkey from Kobani since the relentless advance of the militant group which controls large parts in Syria and Iraq.
ISIL is now said to be at the point of occupying Kobani.
www.aa.com.tr/en
