The mass murder committed by the Syrian security forces in the town of Houla, province of Homs, taking the lives of at least 110 innocent civilians, including 50 children, has aroused great indignation in the international community.

It is out of question to remain silent and unresponsive in the face of this act amounting to a crime against humanity. This grave crime against humanity by those committed a mass murder on civilian population cannot go unpunished. It is the joint responsibility of the international community to deliver the necessary reaction to this heinous massacre in unity and with a single voice.

With this understanding, it has been deemed necessary also by Turkey to take new measures against the Syrian Administration. Pursuant to Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Turkey, as the host country, has requested the Syrian Chargé d'Affaires in Ankara and all other diplomatic personnel of the Embassy to leave the country within 72 hours from the date of 30 May 2012.

The Syrian Chargé d’Affaires a.i. summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (30 May 2012) has been notified accordingly with a Note.

It is expected from the Syrian Administration to bring to an end immediately the acts of violence towards civilian population in accordance with the international community’s calls and to open up the way for a democratic transition process in the country based on the legitimate demands of people.

Unless this is fulfilled and the crimes against humanity are being continued to be committed, Turkey and the international community will take further measures. This is Turkey’s moral and conscientious responsibility towards the brotherly and neighborly Syrian people, with whom we share a common history.