Turkish minister joins in call for Syrian ceasefire

Turkey’s foreign minister has joined an appeal for a ceasefire to stop the bloodshed in Syria during a Muslim holiday.

Ahmet Davutoglu today urged both Syrian forces and rebels to end hostilities “at least” during the four-day Eid al-Adha holiday which begins on October 26.

He said the two sides should also aim for a truce which lasts beyond the holiday.

The UN envoy to Syria is pushing for a temporary ceasefire. Iran and Iraq have also called for a truce.

Mr Davutoglu said the Syrian government should take the first steps by halting attacks “immediately and without preconditions”.

Syria has said it wants a ceasefire but the rebels lack a unified leadership that can agree to it.

Both sides have flouted previous ceasefires after verbally agreeing to them.