ANKARA - Turkey is uneasy over the developments that have occurred after the assassination of former Lebanese Premier Rafik Hariri and concerned that the Middle East may face the danger of possible new problems.
Turkish Foreign Ministry stated on Monday that Turkey has close and good relations both with its neighbors Syria and Lebanon, noting, ''with both countries, we have beneficial and constructive dialogue for the whole region and we have both sister and friendly peoples.''
''Turkey, which attaches importance to territorial integrity, unity and independence of Lebanon, supports resolution 1559 of the UN Security Council. Rapid implementation of this resolution has a vital importance within the scope of recent developments in Lebanon,'' noted the statement.
Foreign Ministry said, ''parliamentary elections are planned to be held in Lebanon in April. It is necessary to hold elections in a democratic way with which Lebanese people will freely display their political will. All relevant parties have important responsibilities to fulfill this.''
''Our region has no more patience left against new tensions and escalations. Regional countries have great interests in the preservation of stability, development of policies which decrease tensions, and necessary future steps in the region,'' said the statement.
''Thus, we welcome withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon today as well as the meeting of Syrian and Lebanese officials in Damascus to discuss the withdrawal,'' added the statement.