Lebanese prime minister arrives in Turkey

Saniora is to hold a joint news conference with Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan later Monday following their meeting in the Turkish capital of Ankara.

Erdogan and Siniora would discuss relations between Turkey and Lebanon, as well as regional and international issues.

Siniora, who is also expected to meet Turkish Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan, will attend a dinner to be hosted by Erdogan, the Anatolian Agency reported.

Turkey has been carving itself a role as a mediator in the Middle East.

Israel and Syria have been holding indirect talks through Turkish mediators, but the contacts have been suspended for months because of the political upheaval in Israel.

Israel’s Prime Minister Ehud Olmert hopes to have Turkey arrange another round of talks with the Syrians soon.

Turkey believes the peace overtures would also help bring peace between Israel and Lebanon.