Mikati starts Turkey visit

  Lebanese Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati arrived Thursday in Ankara for an official visit to Turkey that aims to strengthen ties between the two countries. The Lebanese official said his country is keen on good relations with friendly countries, particularly with Turkey. He said that although Lebanon has adopted a self-dissociation policy from the Syrian conflict, talks involving Syria have always imposed themselves in political discussions. "Lebanon carries a huge portion of the Syrian exodus burden," Mikati was quoted as saying by Lebanese state news agency /NNA/, adding that his talks in Ankara will also discuss means of maintaining excellent ties with Turkey. The Lebanese official condemned the terrorist blast that targeted the Iranian embassy in Beirut on Tuesday. "We have taken all the necessary measures to protect diplomatic missions working in Lebanon," Mikati said, reiterating the Lebanese citizens' unanimous rejection of these acts.