Erdogan Rejects Politicization of STL, Stresses Supporting Syrian-Saudi Initiative

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed that "Safeguarding Lebanon's stability is very important for the Middle East," emphasizing that "Turkey supports and recognizes the independence and sovereignty of Lebanon, contributing to stability in it is an enormous priority... out of this logic, Turkey supports [Lebanon's] national unity cabinet."

Erdogan, in an interview with the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) published on Sunday said that he expressed during his visit to Lebanon and his meetings with Lebanese officials "the importance of not to politicize the course of the international tribunal and the necessity of adhering to national unity, dialogue and national accord, in addition to supporting the Syrian-Saudi initiative and standing at equal distance from all Lebanese sides."

Erdogan also said "I visited Lebanon recently... it's a special country for Turkey, and there are solid relations between the two countries that draw their strengths from history," affirming that Lebanon is an important key to the eastern Mediterranean region and the Middle East in general.