Turkish ambassador in London overrules an operation on Syria

LONDON (A.A) - February 13, 2012 - Turkish Ambassador in London Unal Cevikoz has said that a military operation on Syria was not on the agenda of Turkey. Currently, a military operation is not on the agenda of Turkey or any other countries, said Cevikoz who spoke to BBC on Sunday. Cevikoz said that armament of rebellious groups was not on the agenda too because it would be a very dangerous step, and it would escalate the violence. Turkey has been trying to tell that the protests in Syria show the need of change and reform in the country since March last year, said Cevikoz, adding that unfortunately Syrian President Bashar al-Assad did not keep his promises. Cevikoz said that al-Assad was not able to meet the expectations of his own people and international community. Regarding the veto of a UN Security Council resolution on Syria, Cevikoz said that two non-permanent members of the Council, Russia and China, preferred to cast such a vote. Cevikoz noted that Turkey was concerned that Syria would be dragged into a civil war if violence continued in the country.