Dubai: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday that his government is soon to announce sanctions against neighbouring Syria.
"We can no longer remain spectator to the developments in Syria. There are serious deaths of innocent, defenceless people," Erdogan was quoted as saying by the Anatolia news agency.
A Syrian army colonel who fled to Turkey has called for a united front against President Bashar Al Assad's regime, Anatolia reported yesterday. "Opponent forces in Syria should get united and close ranks until the regime collapses," colonel Riad Al Assad said.
European nations yesterday were still seeking to pass a UN Security Council resolution condemning Syria's crackdown on protests. Britain, France, Germany and Portugal dropped the word "sanctions" from their draft but diplomats said it was unclear whether it would be enough to avoid a Russian veto.
"We are ready to go ahead with a vote even if the Russians decide to veto. But the negotiations are now between capitals," a UN diplomat said.
The European draft demands an immediate end to "all violence", and will call for "targeted measures" if the Syrian government fails to comply within 30 days.
The US Treasury Department moved on Monday to block the sale of telecommunications equipment to Syria.
In a BBC interview yesterday, US ambassador in Damascus, Robert Ford said it was the government's "repression" against its own people that was stirring up more violence.
France and Sweden yesterday warned the Syrian regime against attacking or intimidating Syrian opposition in exile, amid reports of assaults and threats in European capitals.
Amnesty International said Syrian pro-democracy activists were harassed in eight countries, as France confirmed it had launched a probe after thugs attacked a protest in Paris.
In Sweden, Foreign Minister Carl Bildt warned that: "If there are diplomats who engage in activities in this country that are not compatible with their diplomatic status they are not welcome in Sweden."
