Turkey awaiting moves to clarify picture on Syria after strike

ANKARA

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu (L) met Aug.28 for talks on Syria with his Saudi counterpart Prince Saud al-Faisal. AA photo

Turkey expects a method of action against Syria that will help clarify the picture in the Arab republic rather than measures that will further lead to uncertainty amid the county’s two-year-old civil war, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said on Aug. 28.

“We are in an effort to punish the use of chemical weapons in the most effective way, so that it won’t be repeated,” Davutoğlu told reporters.

Turkey has conducted the most effective diplomacy since the beginning of the Syrian crisis and has made efforts to prevent clashes, but the Syrian regime is now using chemical weapons, the minister said.

Turkish intelligence also has evidence about the use of “chemical weapons” in Syria, and Ankara has shared those findings with allies, the minister said.

Turkey has taken all measures against any security threat from Syria, he said. “We are now in a more alert position. ... Turkey will take whatever measures necessary within the framework of its own strategic interests,” he said, adding that “all options” remained open on possible international action.
The minister also replied to criticism that Turkey was “alone in the international community,” saying those circles were now criticizing Ankara for acting with an international coalition.

Turkey has been at one of the most critical crossroads of the Middle East throughout the history of the republic, the minister said, warning against “cheap politics.”

Turkey has always been at the center of diplomacy for every development regarding the region, Davutoğlu said.

Ankara is evaluating the possibility of a massive influx of Syrian refugees over its borders, the minister also said, noting a meeting in Geneva on Sept. 4 that will be held with Syria’s neighbors to discuss the problem of refugees.

Erdoğan seeks concrete steps

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan discussed the latest developments in Syria with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

The prime minister said the international community should not remain silent on the usage of chemical weapons by the Bashar al-Assad regime but should instead take concrete steps.