Ahmet Davutoglu told Ulke TV late Thursday that Syrian President Bashar Assad can gain the trust of his people if he implements a package of reforms that are far-reaching and include significant political changes. The Associated Press was able to listen to a recording of the live interview Friday.

“What is needed now is a shock therapy,” Davutoglu said.

“If reforms are brought about now, this would open the way for peace and change.” Human rights groups say more than 1,000 people have been killed in Syria’s crackdown on a 10-week revolt — the gravest challenge to the 40-year rule of Assad’s family.

Syria has resisted calls to end the suppression despite US and European sanctions, including an EU assets freeze and a visa ban on Assad and nine members of his regime.

Syrian opposition groups are planning a conference in Turkey next week to find a common voice for the anti-government movement. Turkey’s government has distanced itself from the opposition meeting, with a Foreign Ministry official claiming it has no knowledge of plans for the gathering, other than news reports.

The Syrian crisis poses a major challenge to Turkey’s developing trade and political ties with Syria, and calls into question Turkey’s self-declared policy of seeking “zero problems” with neighbors in its diplomatic efforts in the region.

Turkey, NATO’s largest Muslim member, has been urging Syria to implement reforms in a reflection of its close relationship with Assad.

Turkey shares a 880-km border with Syria, most of it heavily mined. Some Turkish commentators have warned that refugees might try to flee to Turkey, though there is no sign of such an exodus.

Turkey’s prime minister has said recently that ties with Syria are so important to Turkey that the crisis there is almost like a domestic policy issue.

Davutoglu told Ulke TV Syria should refrain from empty promises of reform.

“When you say ‘I will reform but the date is not known,’ this leaves the people in doubt and uneasy about whether that day will ever come,” he said.

The minister also said he believes Assad wants reforms, but that “certain elements within the system” may be an impediment. It was an apparent reference to alleged constraints by members of Assad’s late father’s old guard who are clinging to power, fearing an end to their privileges.