We are deeply concerned and saddened with the incidents that took place in various cities in Syria on Friday, 22 April in which many people, including security personnel, lost their lives. May their souls rest in peace. We would like to extend our condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased, and wish them patience, while wishing for the quick recovery of the injured.

Our friend and neighbor Syria’s stability, as well as the well-being and welfare of the brotherly Syrian people are of primary importance for Turkey.

Turkey had welcomed the statements made by President Bashar Assad to the effect that the legitimate aspirations of the people would be accommodated and that a series of reforms would be put into practice to this end. In this respect, we were pleased with the efforts that have already been initiated and some steps taken so far. Turkey had also informed Syria of its readiness to give its full support to the reform process.

In this sensitive period that Syria is going through, Turkey calls for

-Maximum self-restraint, refraining from disproportional and excessive use of force and employment of proper methods in response to mass protests;

-Continuation of reform efforts with determination, conclusion of these efforts as soon as possible and their implementation without delay;

-Adoption of a course of action that is in compliance with the letter and spirit of the reforms announced;

-Restoration of social peace and avoidance of practices that could lead to the escalation of tension;

-Exercise of patience, common sense and self-restraint to prevent the incidents from growing into a spiral of violence.