Britain Calls on Turkey to Join International Fight Against Islamic State

British defense secretary Michael Fallon has asked Turkey to join the fight against the Islamic State militants.

Speaking on BBC  Radio 4's Today program, Fallon also warned of serious consequences for the Middle East if countries in the region did not support the coalition against the Islamic State.

"Turkey certainly could help," Fallon said. "It is a matter for Turkey.

"This is a situation that can only be resolved not just by America and by Britain, but by the region itself.

"So we certainly would like to see Turkey more involved. But in the end it's a decision for their government," he said.

On the question of carrying out air strikes in Syria, Fallon said that he did not believe that the British parliament would authorize it.  However, he added that the Islamic State can only be defeated by taking action in both countries.

In an interview to Sky News, Fallon said that Britain was mulling to support a no- fly zone so as to create a buffer area on the Turkish border with Syria. It is also considering to join the U.S. to start training camps for troops prepared to fight against the Islamic State, reports The Guardian.

Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Thursday that the U.S wants Turkey to permit the use of Turkish Air base at Incirlik and to help in the training and arming of the moderate Syrian forces, reports the Associated Press.

Regarding Turkey's request to the U.S. to set up a buffer zone along Turkey's border with Syria, Hagel said that the U.S. administration was ready to debate over it though it was not keenly considered.