Turkey calls for unity against Syrian regime

ANKARA / DAMASCUS

Nabil Elaraby (L), the secretary-general of the Arab League attends a joint conference with Libya’s National Transitional Council leader Mustafa Abdel Jalil in Tripoli yesterday. REUTERS photo

Recent street violence against the diplomatic presence of Turkey, France, Qatar and Saudi Arabia triggered strong condemnation, as the regime of President Bashar al-Assad becomes increasingly isolated.

Following the suspension of Syria’s membership in the Arab League, thousands of Assad supporters attacked embassies, targeting Turkey in particular. In addition to the Turkish Embassy in Damascus, the Turkish Consulate in Aleppo and the honorary consulate in Latakia were also targeted. (Violence flares after Syria suspended)

Ankara yesterday strongly protested Syria as it evacuated 68 people, the families of its diplomatic staff in Syria. Turkey used the same method when the Libyan crisis escalated, gradually completing the evacuation of Turkish citizens from the North African country. (Turkey keeps envoy in Syria, removes families)

In a surprise development, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu was to meet with Syrian opposition leaders in Ankara yesterday evening.