Syrian Government Warns Citizens To Avoid Visiting Turkey

Many Syrians would perhaps prefer protests to slaughter

(CNN) -- As far as travel warnings go, this seems a little rich.

Syria, the country where a bloody civil war has killed about 80,000 people, is advising its citizens to avoid visiting neighboring Turkey.

The reason? Widespread protests in Turkey that have flared up over the past week.

The Turkish unrest is undoubtedly serious -- demonstrators have repeatedly clashed with security forces in Istanbul and other cities, leaving scores wounded.