Gulf states lower diplomatic ties with Syria

Published February 7th, 2012 - 04:08 GMT
Assad and Saudi King in better days
Assad and Saudi King in better days

The Gulf monarchies announced Tuesday they had decided to expel the Syrian ambassadors from their countries and to withdraw their envoys to Damascus, denouncing the "mass murder" committed by the regime.

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who now heads the GCC announced that the six states have all decided to withdraw their ambassadors from Syria and also recall their ambassadors immediately.

Meanwhile, Syria and Turkey began negotiations for the release of 49 Turkish intelligence officers imprisoned in Syria, reported Cham FM radio, which is close to the Syrian government.

Damascus and Ankara "began negotiations for the release of 49 Turkish intelligence officers after they were arrested by Syrian authorities," said the radio. "Syria had three conditions for their release: (1) the exchange of Turkish officers by members of the Free Syrian Army present on the territory of Turkey (2) Turkey put an end to the infiltration of Free Syrian Army elements from Turkish territory to Syria and (3) Turkey end training members of the Free Syrian Army, "said Cham FM.

Damascus has also demanded that "Iran will be the witness for the agreement between two parties," the radio added. 

 

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