ANKARA - Turkish FM and Deputy PM Abdullah Gul has departed for Lebanon today for a one day visit.
Speaking to reporters at Ankara`s Esenboga Airport, Gul indicated that ``Turkey welcomed the United Nations resolution #1701 that ended clashes between Lebanon and Israel. What is important is that steps should be taken to make peace permanent in the region``, said Gul.
FM Gul indicated that he will meet Lebanese PM Fuad Siniora, Parliament Speaker Nebih Berri and FM Fawzi Salloukh in Beirut.
``My visit to Lebanon is to confirm the support of the Turkish people and government to Lebanon which is going through a tough time,`` noted Gul.
Gul stressed that establishing a comprehensive and permanent peace in the Middle East is one of Turkey`s intentions.
FM Gul revealed that he will visit Israel on Sunday. ``Other visits in the region may take place,`` added Gul.
Asked if he will meet Hezbollah representatives, Gul indicated that Hezbollah is a part of the Lebanese government. ``Hezbollah has ministers in the cabinet. We are eager to learn the position of all sides,`` stressed Gul.
Reminded about the United States government`s call to PKK to lay down arms, Gul expressed that all terrorist groups must lay down arms. ``We continuously state that terrorist acts help no one,`` underlined Gul.
In response to an article in today`s Alsark-Alawsat newspaper that affirms that Turkish intelligence informed Israel about Hezbollah leader Nasrallah`s stay at the Iranian Embassy in Beirut, Gul indicated that no such information was provided to Israel.