Turkey appeals for truce in Syria for Muslim holiday

In this image taken from video obtained from Shaam News Network (SNN), which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, Syrians dig through rubble of a building destroyed by a government airstrike as they search for survivors in Azaz, Syria, Friday, Sept. 28, 2012. A Syrian activist group, the Local Coordination Committees, said a Syrian warplane bombed the northern town of Azaz near the Turkish border, killing several people. (AP Photo/Shaam News Network SNN via AP video) (AP2012)

ANKARA, Turkey – Turkey's foreign minister has joined an appeal for a cease-fire to stop the bloodshed in Syria during a Muslim holiday.

Ahmet Davutoglu on Friday urged both Syrian forces and rebels to end hostilities "at least" through the four-day Eid al-Adha holiday that begins on Oct. 26. He said the sides should also aim for a truce that lasts beyond the holiday.

The U.N. envoy to Syria is pushing for a temporary cease-fire. Iran and Iraq have also called for a truce.

Davutoglu says the Syrian government should take the first steps by halting attacks "immediately and without preconditions."

Syria says it wants a cease-fire but the rebels lack a unified leadership that can agree to it.

Both sides have flouted previous cease-fires after verbally agreeing to them.