Turkey: aid to Lebanon ‘unconditional’, insists ambassador

Turkey’s aid to Lebanon is unconditional, the Turkish ambassador in Beirut announced yesterday. Ali Barış Ulusoy insisted that Ankara has “no hidden agendas” in this matter.

According to the official National News Agency (NNA), Ulusoy explained that Turkey will help Lebanon “to implement energy and public transport projects in the country.”

During his meeting with Lebanese Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada, the ambassador added that Ankara will “boost tourism between the two countries” as a result of the close, friendly ties with Lebanon. “The Lebanese government can count on Turkey to do everything in its power to help Lebanon and its people.”

With regard to the recent clashes in Beirut, the Turkish official urged the Lebanese people “to stick to self-restraint” while “holding the perpetrators accountable.”

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Clashes erupted last week when shots were fired during a demonstration organised by supporters of two Shia movements, Hezbollah and Amal. Seven people were killed and 32 others were wounded. The two groups accused the Christian Lebanese Forces of carrying out an “armed ambush” against the demonstrators, but the pro-government party denies the allegation.

Ulusoy was also reported to have met with Lebanon’s Information Minister, George Kurdahi. The two men discussed mutual cooperation and relations between their countries.