The Syrian government has called for thousands of refugees who fled to Turkey to return to their homes. According to the AP, Syrian Information Minister Adnan Mahmoud conveyed security, electricity, water and communications have now been restored in Jisr al-Shughour and the area is now safe.
Over 8,500 Syrians have sought refuge in camps in neighboring Turkey following a military crackdown that authorities said was to eliminate "armed terrorists."
Mahmoud said following a Cabinet meeting late Tuesday that the government tasked the Syrian Red Crescent Society with coordinating with Turkish authorities to guarantee the return of refugees.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday and urged him to avoid violence.
Turkey's Anatolia news agency reported that Erdoğan stressed the need for reforms and implementing them without delay.
