Turkey Warns of Civil War in Syria
Turkey warned Friday that the conflict in Syria risks turning into a civil war, while France's chief diplomat said it was now too late for the Syrian regime to finally implement reforms.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu pointed to the new attacks by army defectors, "therefore I say there is a risk of transforming into civil war. It is now the right time to stop this massacre, and therefore the Arab initiative is important," he said.
The Arab League has given Syrian President Bashar Assad a deadline to halt his "bloody repression" of anti-regime protests or risk sanctions.
"If it is not successful of course there is always a risk of civil war or high level tension in Syria," Davutoglu told Agence France Presse.
Up until now the Turkish diplomat said it has been "difficult to call it a civil war because in civil war there are two parties attacking each other.
"But in this case usually civilians are being attacked by the security forces."
The eight-month revolt in Syria has turned increasingly violent, with the Free Syrian Army, made up of army defectors, mounting a daring attack this week against a military intelligence base near the capital and the opposition becoming more militarized.
Turkey, once a close ally of Syria, has become increasingly outspoken in its criticism of Assad's regime since an anti-government uprising began in March.
Ankara has already announced a halt to joint oil exploration with Syria and has threatened to cut electricity exports there.
Speaking with AFP, Davutoglu also said that Turkey was prepared to help the opposition Syrian National Council to develop its relations within Syria and with the international community.
"At this stage it is important that the (opposition council) has access to the international community, the Syrian people, and that it has a solid base as an organization of the Syrian people," he said.
Source: Agence France Presse
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