THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 30, 2011

Statement by NSC Spokesman Tommy Vietor on Turkish Sanctions Against Syria

We commend the Turkish government for its announcement of economic sanctions and other measures against the Syrian regime. The leadership shown by Turkey in response to the brutality and violation of the fundamental rights of the Syrian people will isolate the Assad regime and send a strong message to Assad and his circle that their actions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The measures announced by the Turkish government today will undoubtedly increase the pressure on the Syrian regime, and we continue to call on other governments to join the chorus of condemnation and pressure against the Assad regime so that the peaceful and democratic aspirations of the Syrian people can be realized. President Obama has co-ordinated closely with Prime Minister Erdogan throughout the crisis in Syria and will continue to do so going forward.