Dubai: While Damascus was sharpening its diplomatic weapons to receive Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu Tuesday, three Gulf countries recalled their representatives from the Syrian capital for ‘consultations'. Turkey and the GCC countries said they were concerned about the regime's brutality in quelling the 149-day peaceful protests in the country.
Turkish diplomats told Gulf News that Davutoglu's mission to Damascus will be the last ditch effort to stop the killing of civilians in restive cities. If the efforts by Syria's neighbour fails, Turkey will take a serious stand against the regime, they said.
Fresh firing
On Monday, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain recalled their envoys. Qatar and Italy have earlier taken similar decisions.
Syrian opposition and protesters hailed Saudi Arabia's stance and called on Turkey to deliver a clear message to President Bashar Al Assad.
Al Assad replaced his defence minister Monday, state television said. Al Assad appointed his chief of staff, general Daoud Rajha, to replace Ali Habib as defence minster, the television said.
Meanwhile, Deir Al Zor came under fresh artillery fire a day after 42 people were killed there. Opposition said that it has recorded 2,350 deaths, 20,000 arrests and about 15,000 refugees in neighbouring countries.
