Mann expressed that in regards to the Syria crisis. Ashton continues to be in close contact with international partners, including Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu.
Spokesman Mann went on to state, "Turkey and the EU will lead the February 24th "Friends of Syria" Group meeting which will be held in Tunisia. What is transpiring in Syria is unacceptable. We must reach an international compromise in order to bring an end to the violence and oppression and ensure a transition to democracy." Mann also noted, "The EU continues to support all of the Arab League's efforts and is calling on all U.N. Security Council members to assume responsibility."