TURKEY: Turkish President Abdullah Gul says he is encouraging Syrian reforms

Record ID: 279942

  • Title: TURKEY: Turkish President Abdullah Gul says he is encouraging Syrian reforms
  • Date: 3rd May 2011
  • Summary: ANKARA, TURKEY (MAY 2, 2011) (REUTERS) NEWS CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS TURKISH OFFICIALS LISTENING (SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) TURKISH PRESIDENT ABDULLAH GUL SAYING: "We are constantly in touch with Syria. Even before the unrest we were in touch with them. We are trying to contribute to efforts for the Syrian government to make the necessary reforms that Syrian people wants." O
  • Embargoed: 18th May 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Turkey, Turkey
  • Country: Turkey
  • Topics: International Relations
  • Reuters ID: LVA53WFWBLW2T9TDEI5Q2VEI1KN6
  • Story Text: Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on Monday (May 2) that the Turkey is trying to convince the Syrian government to make the reforms demanded by anti-government protesters.
    Before departing for Austria, Gul told a news conference the Turkish government was in contact with that of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
    "We are constantly in touch with Syria. Even before the unrest we were in touch with them. We are trying to contribute to efforts for the Syrian government to make the necessary reforms that Syrian people wants," said Gul.
    He also said there had been an influx of Syrian asylum seekers since the violent crackdown on anti-government protests.
    "We are taking every measure against worst case scenarios. A few days ago, unfortunately, around 300 Syrians crossed the border seeking asylum. Since we took the necessary measures they were welcomed and they were taken to a place where they are staying now," said Gul.
    Around 300 Syrians living in villages near the border fled to Turkey on Friday (April 29) fearing the bloody unrest might spread across the whole country, state-run Anatolian news agency reported.
    Syrians crossed the border and arrived in southern province of Hatay, near the border. Among them were women and children. Syrian rights group Sawasiah says at least 500 civilians have been killed since unrest broke out in Syria six weeks ago.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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