UK's burt hails Turkey's approach to Arab spring

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is "a key player in the international politics," said British Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt over the weekend, praising Ankara's role in the Arab Spring. Burt, fresh from attending last week's Libya Contact Group meeting in Istanbul, expressed concerns over the situation in Libya, saying that Britain is committed to defending civilians. Burt said that Arab Spring has promise but needs to be realistic. "People looked around and saw Turkey as an example and thought that they can also step forward to democratization," he said, adding that every country has its own path through the process. "The Syrian people showed their courage, and eventually (President Bashar) Assad will make reforms or will go," he said. On Turkey's role during this process, Burt in particular praised its handling of the refugee issue: "We appreciate the way in which Turkey has been involved." Burt also expressed Britain's support for Turkey's European Union bid, saying this support stems not only from what the membership would symbolize but also because Turkey deserves it.