Turkey urges all parties to support Lebanese gov’t to hold elections on time

All parties should support the Lebanese government to hold general elections on time, the Turkish foreign minister said on Nov. 16.

"Everyone needs to support the government to find solutions to the crises in Lebanon and to hold the general elections on time," Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu told reporters during a joint news conference with his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib.

The Lebanese people, waiting for an "urgent solution" to their problems, should not have to "pay the price of regional bargaining," Çavuşoğlu said.

Turkey always attaches importance to Lebanon's sovereignty, security, stability, and prosperity, Çavuşoğlu noted, saying they extended the necessary support and solidarity to Lebanon after the explosions in Beirut Port and Akkar.

"We also provided support to the Lebanese army and security forces for the stability and security of Lebanon," he said.

He went on to say that Turkey's contribution to the UN Interim Task Force for Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been extended for another year.

Emphasizing that they want to further develop ties with Lebanon in every field, Çavuşoğlu said they discussed ways to improve relations in many fields, especially in the tourism, energy, and agriculture sectors.

He noted that Turkey is the first choice of the Lebanese people in terms of tourism, and the Turkish people's interest and love for Lebanon are "clearly evident."

On the Syrian crisis, he said Turkey and Lebanon are the most affected countries. He said they agreed to cooperate on the return of Syrians to their countries.

Crisis between Lebanon, some Gulf countries

Regarding the crisis between Lebanon and some Gulf countries, Çavuşoğlu said: "We want this problem to be resolved as soon as...