Syria stabilization zones discussed between U.S., Turkey

The United States is focusing on the creation of stabilization zones in Syria, Turkey a key partner in the efforts, said the U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Thursday.

Tillerson, who is on his first visit to Turkey, said he had discussed the issue with his Turkish counterpart, adding that there was "no space" between Turkey and the United States in their determination to defeat the Islamic State (IS).

He made the remarks on a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, when he was asked about the role of Syria's PYD, a Kurdish military organization suspected to have links with outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, in the upcoming operation to take Raqqa, the de facto capital of IS.

He then avoided direct answers, while acknowledged that Washington is faced with "difficult choices" in the anti-IS campaign.

Tillerson also said more discussions are needed regarding the future of Syria, stressing that the status of President Bashar al-Assad would be decided by the Syrian people.

He also cited Iran's "disruptive role" in the region as a common concern of Ankara and Washington, without further elaborating.

Another disputed topic between the United States and Turkey is the U.S.-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, who is charged by Turkish government of organizing the coup attempt in July, 2016.

Cavusoglu said Turkey is expecting "concrete moves" from the Trump administration, and put forward demand for temporary detention and extradition of Gulen.

Tillerson is paying a one-day visit to Ankara, where he held extensive talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and Cavusoglu.

He also visited the Ankara mausoleum of the Turkish Republic's founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Endit