Speaking at a regular media briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Namik Tan said that Turkey was closely monitored developments in the region and that Turkey would be represented at a meeting of UN permanent representatives to discuss Lebanon later Thursday “The visit of Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul to Lebanon yesterday is part of the process,” Tan said. “Turkey is trying to contribute to a process which will be accepted by the related parties. However we are still assessing whether to send troops.”

Tan said that even if Turkey deployed troops in Lebanon, they would not be sent in a combat role. He said there was no question that Turkish troops would be used to disarm any local forces on the ground.

Tan also denied media reports that Turkey and Iran had been jointly conducting military operations against the terrorist group the PKK or its bases in northern Iraq.

“There has not been any joint operation against the PKK,” he said. “Turkey co-operates with Iran to assure the security of borders. Aside from this co-operation, no other joint operation has taken place.