Turkey urges Syria to stop killings, press ahead on reforms

Turkey on Saturday called on the Syrian leadership to stop using excessive force against its own people protesting for more rights, after more than 120 people were reportedly killed over the weekend. "Turkey appeals to the authorities to act with maximum restraint, refrain from excessive use of force, and chose the appropriate means of response to mass demonstrations," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Voicing deep concern over the bloody unrest in neighboring Syria, Turkey called on Damascus to continue its reform process with determination, complete it as quickly as possible, and put it into practice without delay.