(WASHINGTON, DC) - Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz issued the following statement from Jeddah in response to the ongoing violence in Syria:

In the name of God the Merciful and prayers and peace be upon His Messenger and his family and companions.

To our brothers in Syria, Syria of Arabism and Islam.

Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you.

The ongoing events in brotherly Syria resulted in the loss of large numbers of martyrs, whose blood was shed, and many wounded and injured. Everyone knows that every rational Muslim and Arab, and others are aware that the events in Syria have nothing to do with religion, values, or ethics.

Shedding the blood of innocent people for whatever reasons or justifications will not find a reassuring opening that can enable Arabs, Muslims, and the whole world to see a glimmer of hope except through applying wisdom by the Syrian leadership and carrying out of its historic role at a juncture that only God knows where it leads to.

What is happening in Syria is unacceptable to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The events are greater than can be justified by reasons. However, the Syrian leadership can still enact swift and comprehensive reforms. Syria's future lies between only two options: either it chooses wisdom willingly, or drifts into the depths of turmoil and loss, may God forbid.

The brotherly Syrian government and people are aware of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's past support for them. Today, Saudi Arabia stands up to its historical responsibility towards its brothers, demands an end to the killing machine and bloodshed, and asking for reason to prevail before it is too late. Syria should issue and enact reforms that are not merely promises but actual reforms that our brothers in Syria can feel in their lives as dignity, glory and pride.

In this regard, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announces the recall of its ambassador for consultation on current events.

Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you.