ANKARA
Turkey has expelled all the Syrian diplomats deployed in its capital in a move to protest against last week's deadly attack staged by Syrian military forces in Houla town.
"Pursuant to Article 9 of Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Affairs, the Syrian charge d'affairs and all the diplomatic personnel at the Syrian embassy in Ankara have been demanded to leave Turkey in 72 hours, starting from May 30," The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday.
The envoys have been given a diplomatic note asking for their departure, the statement underlined.
The ministry said Friday's bloody attack in Houla, which left at least 110 innocent civilians including 50 children dead, had led to major indignation within the international community and it was out of the question to remain silent and without any reaction against such crime.
"This fatal crime against humanity, committed by forces aiming at a massive massacre against civilians, cannot be left unpunished. It is the international community's responsibility to unite and display the necessary reaction against this despicable massacre," the ministry said.
Calling on the Syrian regime to stop violent acts against civilians and clear the way for a democratic transition process in line with people's legitimate demands, the statement also said, "Unless this is done and this crime against humanity continues, our country and the international community will take further measures".
In Friday's violent attack in Houla, at least 110 civilians were killed, as UN reports said killings included close-range shootings of scores of children and parents in their homes.
Following the attack, the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Bulgaria and the Netherlands have expelled Syrian diplomats in a coordinated move.
Some of Turkish diplomats in Syria return to Turkey
Some of diplomats and personnel at the Turkish consulate general in Aleppo returned to Turkey.
Diplomatic officials said on Wednesday that Turkey's consulate general in Aleppo would keep working with minimum personnel.
The decision was made by Turkish Foreign Ministry, the officials said.
Aleppo Consulate General Adnan Kececi would continue to offer services, the diplomatic officials said.
Turkey closed its embassy in Damascus in March 2012.
Turkey has expelled all the Syrian diplomats deployed in its capital in a move to protest against last week's deadly attack staged by Syrian military forces in Houla.
