Deputy PM Arinc visits Lebanon

Bulent Arinc paid his first official visit to Lebanon yesterday in his new post as deputy prime minister. During his visit, Arinc was received by Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, and met with Prime Minister Fouad Siniora in Beirut. Bilateral political and economic relations as well as regional issues dominated Arinc's talks. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Arinc said, "As a firm friend, Turkey places great importance on Lebanon's national unity and stability. The Lebanese people suffered great agonies in the past. Turkey wants those agonies to end and the Lebanese people to live in peace." During his visit, Arinc attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a $20 million trauma and rehabilitation center to be built by Turkey. He also visited the tomb of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who was assassinated in 2005.