19 November 2015, 17:30 GMT
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said on Thursday she hoped to work with Russia on establishing no-fly zones in Syria in order to provide a safe refuge for the refugees currently fleeing the war-torn country.
"I am advocating… no-fly zone over northern Syria close to the Turkish border, cutting of the supply lines, trying to provide some safe refuges for refugees so they don’t have to leave Syria creating a safe space away from the barrel bombs and the other bombardment by the Syrians. And I would certainly expect to and hope to work with the Russians to be able to do that," Clinton said.
The former US secretary of state emphasized if safe areas are created, the Syrians will be able to remain in the country "rather than fleeing toward Europe."
On Monday, President Barack Obama said imposing a no-fly zone in Syria to improve humanitarian situation in the region was counterproductive.
Syria has been mired in a civil war since 2011. Opposition factions and extremist groups, including the Islamic State and the Nusra Front, are fighting the Syrian Army and intend to topple the government.
