ROME
We have so far supported Annan plan for Syria, but I can say that I may lose my hope at any moment, added Erdogan who held a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti following Turkey-Italy Summit on Tuesday.
Currently, Turkey is hosting nearly 23,000 Syrian citizens who escaped from violence in their country. I visited their camp on Sunday, said Erdogan.
Noting that Turkey was a second home for Syrians, Erdogan said that Turkey would extend every type of support to Syrian people.
Syrian issue is not only a matter of Turkey but also a matter of international laws, said Erdogan, adding that it was also a matter of humanity, United Nations, Arab League and Organization for Islamic Cooperation.
These three organizations should work together and extend the required support in Syrian issue, said Erdogan.
Turkey feels it has a first degree liability in this issue because there is 910 kilometers of border line between Turkey and Syria, and we are also relatives, he noted.
Noting that Turkey had supported Annan plan but it was losing its hope, Erdogan said that recent developments, the deadline and road map were unfortunately not giving results.
Perhaps, UN and UN Security Council may need to take more steps, said Erdogan, adding that at least 3,000 UN observers should undertake mission in Syria.
Erdogan said that elections took place in Syria yesterday, adding that it was impossible for Turkey to believe in this elections.
Regarding his interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Erdogan denied the remarks quoting him as saying "I am ready to ask for military intervention of NATO regarding Syria issue".
This statement does not belong to me, said Erdogan, and expressed sorrow over the newspaper's writing such a statement.
Erdogan said that if any harassment was made to Turkish borders, NATO's fifth article took action, adding that such a harassment had not occurred.
(Reporting by Kadir Karakus)
