Turkey grows frustrated with Syria

ANKARA, Turkey, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Ankara won't talk with Damascus until the Syrian president carries out promised reforms in the country, a Turkish source said.

Ersat Hurmuzlu, an adviser to Turkish President Abdullah Gul, told London's pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat that Ankara doesn't have a hidden agenda in Syria, noting the fate of the country in the hands of the people.

His comments echo those from Western officials who've issued sweeping condemnations of the bloody crackdown on anti-government protesters while keeping a non-interventionist stance.

An official in the Turkish Foreign Ministry told the newspaper on condition of anonymity that Ankara was "very concerned" by what's happening in Syria.

Syrian President Bashar Assad has issued a series of statements addressing reforms ranging from the right to form political parties to voting measures. Despite pledges of reform, however, the United Nations estimates that at least 2,000 people were killed at the hands of Syrian security forces, including hundreds during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

"There will be no dialogue with the Syrian authorities unless they carry out their promises within an acceptable and reasonable period," the Turkish source said.

More gunfire was reported Monday in Syria near the border with Lebanon.

Source: United Press International (UPI).
Link: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2011/08/29/Turkey-grows-frustrated-with-Syria/UPI-57041314626810/.