The Latest on developments in Syria's civil war (all times local):
1:20 p.m.
Turkey's president says his troops will establish a 20-mile-wide "safe zone" in northern Syria with the help of allies, remarks that came after Recep Tayyip Erdogan's discussions with President Donald Trump.
A convoy of Turkish military trucks carrying tanks and armoured personnel carriers destined for Syria in preparation for a possible military offensive, moves in Hatay province, southeastern Turkey, near the border with Syria, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to devastate NATO ally Turkey's economy if it attacks U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters in Syria underscores America's commitment to its partners. (Mehmet KocacikKirikhanDHA via AP)
Erdogan made the comment on Tuesday, during an address to his ruling party legislators in Parliament. He later told reporters that Turkey would seek logistic and financial assistance from the United States and other allies to create the zone.
Erdogan said the zone would keep "terrorists out," protect civilians and stem the flow of refugees.
Erdogan and Trump discussed the issue in a telephone call late Monday that apparently aimed to ease tensions after the U.S. president tweeted a threat to Turkey warning of economic harm should Ankara attack U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in Syria. Ankara considers the Kurdish forces in Syria terrorists aligned with a Kurdish insurgency within Turkey's borders.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan acknowledges the MPs of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) after delivering a speech at the parliament in Ankara, Turkey, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP PhotoBurhan Ozbilici)
Erdogan said the two leaders reached an "understanding of historical importance."
11:35 a.m.
The United Nations' new special envoy for Syria says he hopes to have "constructive" talks in Damascus.
Geir Pedersen spoke briefly to reporters upon his arrival in the Syrian capital on Tuesday. It's his first trip to Syria since he took office earlier this year.
A convoy of Turkish military trucks carrying tanks and armoured personnel carriers destined for Syria in preparation for a possible military offensive, moves in Hatay province, southeastern Turkey, near the border with Syria, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to devastate NATO ally Turkey's economy if it attacks U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters in Syria underscores America's commitment to its partners. (Mehmet KocacikKirikhanDHA via AP)
The veteran Norwegian diplomat took over from Staffan de Mistura, who stepped down for family reasons after four years and four months of peace efforts that led nowhere.
Pedersen's office, in a tweet, said the envoy is looking forward to productive meetings in Damascus.
Syria has said it will cooperate with Pederson if he avoids the "methods" of his predecessor and commits to Syria's territorial integrity.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan poses for photos with a child, following a speech to the MPs of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) at the parliament in Ankara, Turkey, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP PhotoBurhan Ozbilici)
Nearly half a million people have been killed in the seven-year civil war in Syria.