Gul receives Onhon and Maronite patriach

President Abdullah Gul yesterday received Turkey's Ambassador to Damascus Omer Onhon at Cankaya Presidential Palace in Ankara. Onhon, who has returned to Turkey after the closure of Turkish Embassy in Damascus, previously stated that the activities of Turkish Embassy in Damascus have been temporarily suspended, but that Turkey's Consulate General in Aleppo was still open. Onhon and a delegation of 27 diplomats have left Damascus approximately one week ago. During his meeting with Gul, Onhon briefed Gul on the latest situation and developments in Syria. Gul also received Lebanon's Christian Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai and an accompanying delegation yesterday. Reportedly, the situation in Lebanese was discussed during the meeting which was closed to press. Furthermore, latest developments in Syria and security concerns of Christian people living in Syria were on the agenda.