We acknowledge with deep sorrow and concern the death of over 20 people during the clashes between different sectarian groups that have taken place in the city of Tripoli in Lebanon since the beginning of the week. We wish God's mercy upon those who lost their lives, express our condolences to their bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured.

As the violence inflicted by the regime in Syria upon the population increases and gains new dimensions with each passing day, the preservation of peace and social cohesion in Lebanon now becomes more important than ever.

We expect that all parties in Lebanon, keeping this understanding in mind, will not heed the provocations and act with restraint, fulfilling their responsibilities in order to ensure the preservation of peace and stability in the country.

Turkey will resolutely continue to stand by the people of Lebanon and to maintain its support to Lebanon during these times that the region is going through.