SYRIAN ATTACK AGAINST TURKEY A THREAT TO EUROPE, SAYS PACE

PACE members strongly supported a written document, which was prepared by the initiatives of the Turkish deputies, condemning Syria over the downing of a Turkish military jet last Friday.

76 PACE members from different countries signed the written document at a session of the PACE in Strasbourg on Wednesday (27.06.2012).

The document titled, "Syria's attack against Turkey was a threat to Europe", said that PACE is in a deep concern over the downing of an unarmed Turkish fighter jet by Syria on June 22, and added "Our thoughts and hearts are with the families and friends of the two mission Turkish pilots".

Recalling that, despite it did not display any hostile act and its identity was clear while was travelling in international air space in the East Mediterranean, the Turkish military jet was downed by Syria without making any warning, the PACE said it finds Syria 's downing of the Turkish jet as "unacceptable and condemns it in the strongest terms possible".

Syria's hostile act is an open and serious violation of international laws. The incident shows the Assad regime's violent attitude which is now beyond Syrian borders and threatens regional and international peace and stability, PACE stressed in its document.

The written document is not binding, however the signing of the document by 76 PACE members is considered as an indication of the strong support that PACE members has extended to Turkey.