Ankara studies diplomatic methods of reconciling with Syria

Ankara has announced that it is studying an Egyptian proposal to reach a diplomatic solution to the crisis which had brought Damascus and Ankara to the brink of armed confrontation because of the Kurdistani Workers Party (PKK).

However, Ankara has not totally abandoned the language of threats. It said it is studying "deterrent measures" against Syria.

The Turkish Parliament released a tough warning to Syria against not corresponding to the Turkish demands.

Following Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's visits to Ankara and Damascus, Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa stressed that "the Arabs oppose any military act against Syria." Egyptian press reports said that Moussa may return to Ankara to follow up on the Egyptian mediation.

Tehran, for its part, said it understands the Syrian position and is contacting both Damascus and Ankara. Iranian sources told ArabicNews.com that Iran is willing to consider mediation efforts between the two sides if Egyptian efforts fail.

Syria accused Turkey of escalating tensions in the region and warned that it is capable of defending itself.