BERLIN
Germany voiced doubts Friday about a no-fly zone in Syria, which is said would require deployment of a large-scale ground troops mission.
“Securing a no-fly zone requires massive military deployment, and probably also the use of the ground troops,” German Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Schaefer said at a press conference.
“In the face of an incredibly complicated but also terrible situation in Syria, I cannot see any member of the international community showing readiness to do that,” he said.
He also underlined that Germany was not planning any military engagement in Syria.
Turkey has been pushing for a no-fly zone and a safe haven for refugees in Syria near the Turkish border.
More than one million refugees, including 180,000 from the key northern Syrian border town of Kobani are currently being hosted by Turkey.
Schaefer praised Turkey’s efforts for Syrian refugees and expressed readiness to provide assistance.
“Turkey has shown great hospitality for the Syrian refugees. It did not only open its borders, but also provided shelter in Turkish territory. We are grateful for that,” he said.
“When Turkey would need any help, we are ready to provide that,” he added.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had criticized Western countries Tuesday for not doing enough for the Syrian refugees.
"For Syrians in our territories, we carried more than $4 billion in expenses, and the aid we sent into Syria and Iraq exceeded half-a-billion dollars,” Erdogan had said.
"Up to now, Europe has only accepted about 130,000 Syrians and closed their doors. We accommodate more than 1.5 million people in our territories," the president added.
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