Syria calls for return of its nationals from Turkey

HATAY (A.A) - July 6, 2011 - Syrian authorities reiterated their call for return of thousands of Syrian citizens who fled violence and crossed into Turkey, assuring that Syrian government would embrace all of them and ensure security of life. 
"Syrian people can return home in safety," Abdul Rahman Attar, head of Syrian Red Crescent, told reporters after a meeting with his Turkish counterpart in southern Hatay province.
More than 15,000 Syrian nationals have fled to Turkey in last couple of weeks to escape a government crackdown on anti-Assad protesters. So far, nearly 5,500 of them have returned home. Syrian people are staying at six tent-sites set up by Turkish Red Crescent in Hatay.
Attar is in Hatay to meet Syrian nationals staying at tent-sites.
"Syrian government will embrace these people and ensure security of life for them. We want them to return to Syria voluntarily. I have got a promise from Syrian government to guarantee their lives. We expect them to go back as soon as possible," Attar said.
Syrian people demand freedom and transition to democratic system, Attar said, adding: "Now, Bashar al- Assad started these reforms and made many decisions. Some of these reforms have already been enacted."