Ankara, SANA_ Syrian Presidential Political and Media Advisor Buthaina Shaaban encouraged practical steps to support women living under occupation, oppression, siege and discrimination in Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Pakistan.

She said a lot of work can be done to defend women who are suffering from discrimination and unjust treatment by making use of the Turkish Justice and Development Party's (AKP) successful experiences in this regard.

Shaaban was speaking at the opening of the International Conference on Women's Rights in Ankara on Monday, which was organized by the JDP, attended by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan with political figures from over 25 countries.

Dr. Shaaban said that Turkey shares special relations with Syria and good relations with other countries in the region.

"With its regional and international policy, Turkey has proved its credibility in dealing with the issues of the region,"

Dr. Shaaban recalled the decision made by the Turkish Parliament on rejecting war on Iraq and Turkey's stance against the Israeli aggression on Gaza.

She added "Those stances have proven the credibility of Turkey's policy, which says what it needs to be said and does what should be done."

"Turkey has proved its commitment to just and humane causes which was made evident in its support for the Palestinian people," she said.

She pointed out that President Bashar al-Assad stressed from Istanbul Syria's commitment to the Turkish mediator in the indirect peace talks with Israel.

Mrs. Shaaban conveyed President al-Assad's condolences to the Turkish government and people over the victims of the earthquake which hit Turkish eastern Province Elazig, claiming the lives of 50 people.

For his part, Erdogan stressed the importance of collective work to confront all forms of human rights violations against women.

Premier Erdogan added that" nobody can keep silent over the aggression and injustice inflicted upon the Palestinian women in Palestinian or any other part of the world."

H. Said /Idelbi