Davutoglu meets with Syrian dissidents

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu met with representatives from the Syrian National Council (SNC) consisting of Syrian dissidents on Monday in Ankara. The Council members briefed Davutoglu on developments in Syria during the meeting, which was the first official contact held by Ankara with the SNC. Speaking in his part, Davutoglu said that Syrian dissidents who support the establishment of a democratic order based on fundamental rights and freedoms should express their rightful requests through legal and peaceful methods. Stating that only Syrian people could make a decision on the future of Syria, Davutoglu also said he strongly denounced the killing of Ziad al-Obeidi, a Syrian human rights activist, in an armed attack. The Council has been established under leadership of academic Bourhan Ghalioun in Istanbul earlier this month, but Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that he would "give an answer" to all countries which officially recognize the Council.