BEIRUT (Aztag)–The Armenian Parliamentary Caucus conducted a meeting Tuesday discussing the visit of Turkish President Suleyman Demirel’s representative Aydn Karahan to Lebanon–during which he met with President Emil Lahoud and Prime Minister Selim Hus.
The Armenian Parliamentary Caucus following the meeting announced that the group is surprised by Karahan’s visit to Lebanon and meetings with Lebanese officials and concerned with growing ties between Turkey and Lebanon.
"The Caucus suspects a hidden Turkish agenda amid this visit," the announcement continued.
"The Caucus does not see any positive Turkish-Lebanese relations–because Turkish relations with Lebanon and other neighboring Arab states are based solely on Turkish interests. The Turkish-Israeli alliance should be proof of this," the announcement said.
The Caucus stressed that Lebanon will not allow Turkey to fulfill its mission of satisfying its new partner–Israel–and disregard the rights of Arab neighbors.
According to the Parliamentary Caucus–this visit is part of an attempt to destroy peaceful ties between Lebanon and Syria–threaten relations in the Arab world–and serve Turkish-Israeli interests.
"Creating defense ties between Turkey and Lebanon is illogical–because neither side will have any substantial gains," the Caucus announced.
"Before working for regional peace or offering assistance to Lebanon–Turkey must first take steps in resolving issues with their neighboring states.
Turkey must recognize the rights of Armenia’s and Kurds and also return Alexandret to its rightful owner," the announcement continued.