UN’s Syria Envoy in Turkey for Talks

VOA News
October 13, 2012

Turkey’s prime minister lashed out against the U.N. Security Council Saturday for inaction in Syria.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in Istanbul it has become “more and more difficult” each day for the U.N. to fulfill its duties due to “unjust, unequal and inactive mechanisms.”

“If we leave the issue to the vote of one or two members of the permanent five at the United Nations, then the aftermath of Syria would be very hazardous and humanity will write it down in history with unforgettable remarks,” he said.

Turkey stationed more tanks on its border with Syria Saturday as images from inside the war-torn country showed more damaged buildings and raided houses.

Meanwhile, international peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi arrived in Istanbul Saturday to discuss the growing tension between Turkey and neighboring Syria over cargo seized from a Syrian passenger plane.

Turkey intercepted a Syrian plane Wednesday en route from Moscow to Damascus. Turkey has defended its decision to intercept the plane, saying the aircraft was carrying military equipment and ammunition destined for Syria’s government.

Syrian officials deny the plane was carrying any military cargo.

Russia, a top ally of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, has demanded an explanation from Turkey, saying its actions threatened the lives and safety of the passengers on board.

Brahimi spoke with Saudi King Abdullah about the crisis Friday. Meeting in Jeddah, the two agreed on the need to stop the bloodshed and aid the millions of Syrians affected by the violence in the country.

This article was posted: Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 9:40 am

Tags: foreign affairs

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