ISTANBUL - Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri of Lebanon said on Thursday that political relations between Turkey and Lebanon continued at the highest level.
Hariri, who is currently in Turkey on an official visit, held a press conference at Istanbul's Conrad Hotel.
Replying to a question on economic and political relations between the two countries, Hariri said that political relations between Turkey and Lebanon continued at the highest level and stated that however the two countries should further improve economic and commercial relations.
When reminded that Egyptian President Mubarak, Syrian President Asad and he paid visits to Turkey and asked whether or not Turkey's relations with Israel could contribute to solution of the Middle East issue, Hariri said that relations between Turkey and Arab world were very positive.
Stating that Turkey's and Arab countries' efforts continued, Hariri said that Turkey was one of the important, powerful and developed countries of the region. Hariri noted that Turkey's attitude on the Middle East issue coincided with attitude of Arab countries and stated that if a solution was wanted to be found to the Middle East issue, resolutions no:242, no:338 and no:1397 of the U.N. Security Council should be put into practice and Palestine should be given the right to found its own state on its territories. Hariri said that Turkey's attitude on this issue was clear and added that its attitude coincided with desires and calls of Arab countries.
When reminded of statement of Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul who said that they expected Muslim countries to assume a positive approach on lifting embargoes imposed on Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and recognition of TRNC and asked whether or not Turkish government had a demand on this issue, Hariri said that they discussed the issue in meetings on Wednesday and noted that Lebanon would assess it with Arab countries, as Turkey did its utmost on the issue. Hariri said that Turkish side voted in favor of the U.N. plan on Cyprus and assumed a constructive attitude and stated that they would assess the issue of lifting economic embargo imposed on Turkish Cypriot side in the following period. He added that they supported Turkey's attitude on this issue.
Asked whether or not recognition of TRNC might be brought onto the agenda the coming days, Hariri said that people should not be in hurry on recognition of TRNC and they should follow developments and noted that Turkey's and TRNC's attitude was very constructive and positive. He added that international public opinion and press welcomed their attitude.
In regard to Israel-Palestine conflict, Hariri criticized attitude of Israel and said that Israel should withdraw from Golan heights and comply with resolutions of U.N. Security Council.
(EÖ-AÖ) 13.05.2004