Turkey says Syrian government's intentions for peaceful settlement of conflicts become questionable

ANKARA (A.A) - August 1, 2011 - Turkey has criticized a recent government crackdown on Syrian protestors in the city of Hama where army forces killed on Sunday more than 100 people in a major move to crush the dissent.
"Along with the international community, Turkey has been watching closely and patiently the developments over the last couple of months. Latest developments have made the Syrian government's intention and sincerity questionable to resolve the conflict through peaceful means," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement late Sunday.          
The ministry said military operations would make no contribution to maintaining security in Syria, but jeopardizing the prospects for a political transition to more a democratic order.
"These operations and violence do not produce solutions but more conflicts. The Syrian government must come to terms with that fact," the ministry said.   
"Turkey once again urges the Syrian government to halt military operations and to channel its efforts to political tools, dialogue and peaceful ways for a settlement."  
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu also voiced concern over the Hama crackdown on Sunday, saying Syria was passing through "a very critical period."
"These operations and attacks against civilians cannot not be condone especially on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan. Attacks that cause loss of civilian lives must stop immediately," Davutoglu told reporters during a visit to the central province of Konya.