Turkish FM Davutoglu stresses importance of protecting Syrian civilians

RABAT (A.A) - Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Wednesday that protecting Syrian civilians was highly important. Speaking at a joint press conference with his Moroccan counterpart Taieb Fassi Fihri following the fourth meeting of foreign ministers of the Turkish-Arab Cooperation Forum in Rabat, Minister Davutoglu said that the Syrian army had to withdraw from Syrian cities and that Turkey would support every decision taken by the Arab League on Syria. "The Syrian army should withdraw from cities. The presence of Syrian troops and uncontrolled forces pose serious risks to the civilians. While Syrian government forces open fire on even the smallest meeting of the opposition, they permit rallies by pro-Assad groups. All types of rallies should be able to take place in a democracy," Davutoglu said. Certain foreign representations in Syria were attacked on Wednesday. This development can not be accepted, Davutoglu said. We will continue to hold talks with the Arab League on Syria and determine steps to be taken jointly. Regardless of their decision on Syria, Turkey will support the Arab League, Davutoglu said. Commenting on the Rabat meeting, Davutoglu said that the meeting was successful and he was thankful to Morocco. All the countries at the meeting offered condolences over the death of Turkish citizens in a recent earthquake in eastern province of Van. With this meeting, Turkish-Arab relations will take a great leap forward, Davutoglu said. As Turkey and the Arab world, we will continue to support the Palestinian cause. It is a natural right for the Palestinians to have their own independent state, Davutoglu stressed. Minister Fihri, in his part, said that two separate documents were published at the end of today's meeting. With these documents, we have drawn a map for developing Turkish-Arab relations, Fihri said. We share the same vision with Turkey on the "Arab Spring". Our next meeting will take place in Istanbul in 2012, Fihri also said.