National security council convenes to discuss Syria and middle east

Turkey's top political leaders and military commanders yesterday called for speedy implementation of political and economic reforms in the Middle East amid unrest in neighboring Syria. In a statement released after their six-hour regular meeting, members of the National Security Council (NSC) said it is important that "comprehensive political, social and economic reforms be implemented immediately in line with the legitimate demands and expectations of the peoples of the region." It also called for a "process of true change that will result in the establishment of constitutional democracy" in the Middle East. Turkish Ambassador to Syria Omur Onhon also attended the meeting, to brief participants on developments in that country.