Iran, Turkey call for cease fire in Syria during Ramadan

Turkey and Iran overcame their differences on the conflict in Syria to call for an end to violence during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan, which just began, according to the Associated Press. 

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi made the announcement together in Ankara on Friday, said the AP. 

Also Friday, the Red Cross (ICRC) in Syria called for a cease fire in Homs at least until aid could be delivered into the barraged city, reported Reuters. 

"We call on the Syrian authorities to permit delivery in the old city of food and medical supplies," ICRC head Magne Barth said, adding: "We also call on all the armed groups that are in control of the old city to ensure that civilians who want to leave can do so safely," said Reuters. 

Over 100,000 people are estimated to have died in the Syrian conflict, which began over two years ago as a non-violent protest movement against the reign of President Bashar al-Assad. Iran is an Assad ally, while Turkey openly supports the opposition. 

Davutoglu said a pause in violence may help Syrians find a political solution, according to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

The two urged both sides to lay down their arms in honor of the holy month, said the AP. 

International efforts to help end the crisis in Syria have repeatedly failed, and the Syrian opposition struggled to unite politically as the conflict devolved into a brutal civil war. 

Davutoglu also denied reports that Turkey is sending outside forces into the Syria, said KUNA.