ANKARA: Turkey's foreign minister met members of Syria's newly-formed opposition National Council in the Turkish capital on Monday, a foreign ministry official said, the first time Turkey has acknowledged such a meeting with the council.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told the members to work in a peaceful manner for democratic transformation in Syria.
Earlier this month, Syria warned it would retaliate against any country that formally recognises the National Council set up by opponents of President Bashar al-Assad.
The formation of the council has been welcomed by Western countries including the United States and France. However, unlike the transitional council set up by Libyan rebels who overthrew Muammar Gaddafi, Western governments have not offered the SNC any formal recognition.
Turkey has allowed opponents of Assad to meet in Turkish cities since anti-government protests started in March and is also providing sanctuary to the most senior Syrian military officer to defect.
Dear visitor, the comments section is undergoing an overhaul and will return soon.