Turkey appeals for truce in Syria for Muslim holiday
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In this image taken from video obtained from Shaam News Network (SNN), which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, Syrians dig through rubble of a building destroyed by a government airstrike as they search for survivors in Azaz, Syria, Friday, Sept. 28, 2012. A Syrian activist group, the Local Coordination Committees, said a Syrian warplane bombed the northern town of Azaz near the Turkish border, killing several people. (AP Photo/Shaam News Network SNN via AP video) (AP2012)
Turkey's foreign minister has joined an appeal for a cease-fire to stop the bloodshed in Syria during a Muslim holiday.
Ahmet Davutoglu on Friday urged both Syrian forces and rebels to end hostilities "at least" through the four-day Eid al-Adha holiday that begins on Oct. 26. He said the sides should also aim for a truce that lasts beyond the holiday.
The U.N. envoy to Syria is pushing for a temporary cease-fire. Iran and Iraq have also called for a truce.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Davutoglu says the Syrian government should take the first steps by halting attacks "immediately and without preconditions."
Syria says it wants a cease-fire but the rebels lack a unified leadership that can agree to it.
Both sides have flouted previous cease-fires after verbally agreeing to them.