Turkish FM favors G-20 over UN on the Syria issue

LOS CABOS

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu (L) talks with EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton in G-20 summit. They discussed a series of issues including Iran’s nuclear program. AA photo

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said the deadlock in the U.N. Security Council encouraged the Syrian regime to increase its assault on the dissidents, speaking in Los Cabos, Mexico where is he attending the foreign ministers’ meeting of the G-20 states.

“The Syrian government is holding bloodier operations as it has the impression that the international community will not act following the vetoes of Russia and China to the U.N. Security Council resolution,” he said. Blaming the U.N. for its ineffectiveness in the post-Cold War era because of its dependence on five permanent members’ votes, Davutoğlu praised the G-20 for “having a more embracing character.”
Speaking to reporters after making a speech in the first G-20 foreign ministers’ meeting on Feb. 19, Davutoğlu also said that the G-20 is more representative than the U.N.

Landmines would be a mistake
“In the aftermath of the Cold War, there is still a trend to continue with Cold War structures. However, we should be producing new values in parallel to globalization. [...] A widely participated in decision-making mechanism is needed. In this respect, the G-20 constitutes a good discussion platform,” Davutoğlu said. Davutoğlu also said turning the country into a prison would be the biggest mistake, addressing the claims that al-Assad forces are deploying landmines on the borders of Syria.

Tunisian Foreign Minister Rafik Abdessalem said yesterday there had been an agreement at a meeting of Mediterranean region states to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and avoid “an Iraqi scenario.” Also, Syria’s opposition, including Syrian National Council and other opposition groups is expected to take part in an international conference in Tunis on Feb. 24.

In Washington the senior U.S. military officer, General Martin Dempsey, said intervening in Syria would be “very difficult” because it was not like Libya. Syria’s army is very capable, with a sophisticated, integrated air defense system and chemical and biological weapons, Dempsey said. Meanwhile, Jordan said yesterday that it has built a refugee camp on its border with Syria in case of mass migration from the country.

Compiled from AA and Reuters stories by the Daily News staff.