Turkey PM Calls Assad to Press for Reform

by Naharnet Newsdesk 27 May 2011, 20:04

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Syrian leader Bashar Assad Friday in another effort to press for reform to end deadly unrest in the Arab country, a government official said.

Erdogan "emphasized again the importance of reform," the official told Agence France Presse on condition of anonymity, refusing to give other details.

Erdogan, who enjoys good relations with Assad, has piled up pressure on the Syrian leader to initiate a democratic transition but stopped short of calling for his departure.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said last week that Syria's turmoil could still be resolved peacefully if Damascus initiates "shock reforms" and stops brutal crackdowns on protesters, warning that "time is running out."

Syrian opposition leaders are to meet in Turkey's Mediterranean resort of Antalya next week for a conference in support of the two-month-old protests against Assad's rule.

Last month, Ankara sent envoys to Damascus to press Assad to take steps for democratization, offering expertise for political and economic overhaul.

Human rights groups say that at least 1,000 people have been killed and more than 10,000 arrested since the demonstrations began on March 15.

Source: Agence France Presse

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