Turkey suspends all activities at its embassy in Syria

PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey suspended all activities at its embassy in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Monday, March 26, the Foreign Ministry said.

According to Today’s Zaman, diplomatic sources said Turkey has also temporarily recalled its ambassador to the Syrian capital. Sources said ambassador Ömer Önhon and Turkish diplomatic staff in Damascus are expected to arrive in Ankara soon.

Last week the ministry called on all Turkish citizens in neighboring Syria to return to Turkey as soon as possible, saying it planned to close the consular section of its Damascus embassy. “It is evident that developments in Syria pose serious security risks to our citizens [in Syria]. In this regard, Turkish citizens in Syria are strongly advised to return home,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry also recalled that it had earlier issued a travel warning for Turkish citizens planning to go to Syria. It had warned Turkish nationals not to travel to Syria unless absolutely necessary due to difficulties in maintaining public order, while urging those currently in Syria to be cautious and remain in contact with Turkish missions at all times.