FM Davutoglu calls Syrian opposition to unite

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has called on the fragmented Syrian opposition to unite, during a meeting in Cairo on Monday to discuss a new international plan for a transitional government. Davutoglu addressed nearly 250 members of the Syrian opposition at the meeting in an effort to bring disparate groups together. Besides Davutoglu, Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, Egyptian Foreign Minister Muhammed Kamel Amr and a representative from Qatar and UN attended the meeting. There was broad participation by the Syrian opposition at the meeting. Addressing the Syrian opposition, Davutoglu stated that they should combine their powers for their country. "It is known by everyone that the process to be initiated by you is not easy. You are the ones who will decide, not us. Syria’s future will be shaped only by the Syrian people. We are in contact with many groups in Syria. We are not giving special support to any group," said Davutoglu. "A regime that has lost its credibility in the eyes of its people has also lost its legitimacy. The Syrian people and representatives of the Syrian opposition are the only interlocutors for Turkey," said Davutoglu, adding that Turkey’s doors and hearts of the Turkish people will continue to remain open for the Syrian people. "The Syrian people have an honorable mission. In this mission, the Syrian people will be always supported by the Turkish government and people," said Davutoglu, adding no one can remain indifferent to what is happening in Syria. Davutoglu stated that Turkey was standing on the side of the Syrian people, who have justifiable reasons for wanting regime to change. The foreign minister emphasized that what was happening in Syria currently was the result of the violence of the despotic regime in the country. "The Syrian regime is trying to change the course of the history, but this is useless. There is no example in history where brutality has won over the public will," said Davutoglu. Stating that the Syrian regime had not fulfilled its promises either towards international community or towards its people, Davutoglu said that the regime was making a mistake by believing in the suppression of public will by force.