Syrian PM discusses eforms with Turkish ambassador

Syrian Prime Minister Adel Safar on Sunday met with Turkish Ambassador Omer Onhon to discuss rising tension in the country and the progress Damascus has made in implementing reforms in response to anti-government protests. The meeting came one day after Turkey issued a strongly worded statement demanding that Syrian authorities show restraint in responding to protests and continue with reforms. Safar briefed the Turkish ambassador on recent events, saying that the long-hated emergency rule law has been lifted and a series of reforms on political parties, information and local governments is in the pipeline. Pointing to Turkey's experience with political and economic reform, he said he hopes Syria can benefit from this as it prepares its own reform slate. In response, Onhon stressed the strong, healthy relations Turkey and Syria have recently cultivated, expressing Ankara's support for "these important steps."