Turkish FM on Syrian Crackdown

Syrian military tanks stormed the streets of Deir Al Zour, an oil-producing city bordering Iraq, on August 9th.

An amateur video uploaded on a social platform shows protesters chanting anti-Assad slogans, demanding the leader to step down from power. Meanwhile, in Daraa, demonstrators mourned the death of Mohammed Manhal Akrad as his coffin was hoisted through the streets.

On same day in Ankara, Turkey, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu spoke of his dialogue with President Bashar Al Assad in Damascus, Syria.

While maintaining contact with Syrian society, Mr. Davutoglu said his government will be monitoring the current situation of the crisis in Syria, and hoped for a peaceful transition.

However, Assad was persistent in using military force to target alleged terrorist groups, despite Turkey’s objection.