ISTANBUL
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Turkey could not remain indifferent to what has happened in Syria."Turkey's sensitivity regarding Syria stems from neighborly and friendly ties," Erdogan said in his inaugural speech at the ministerial summit of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC) in Istanbul.
Nearly 30,000 people have been killed since armed conflict began in Syria, he said. Assad regime has been destroying its own people, the premier said.
Almost 250,000 Syrians fled violence in their country and took shelter in neighboring countries, he said, adding that 99,000 Syrians were staying in camps in Turkey.
Erdogan said what has happened in Syria also affected Turkey, stating that Turkey did not have any intention to interfere in internal affairs of this country. "Turkey's stance on Syria was not based on geopolitical balances. We only aim to ensure peace, tranquility and stability in the region. We believe that solution of regional issues will contribute to tranquility and prosperity of Islam countries," he said.
Developments in Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine and Arakan also yielded outcomes affecting whole region and even the world, he said.
Assad administration did not listen to Turkey's warnings and did not keep its promises, he said.
Turkey could not remain indifferent to violence, pressure and cruelty in Syria, the premier said.
Erdogan recalled that two women and three children were killed in Syrian artillery shelling on south-eastern town of Akcakale on October 3, stating that Turkey responded to it. Turkey informed the international community, UN, NATO and Arab League on the matter, he said, adding that all of them made statements in support of Turkey.
