Russian Deputy Foreign Minister
Mikhail Bogdanov met on Saturday in Msaytbeh with Prime Minister-Designate
Tammam Salam.
In this regard, the two officials tackled various files related to the local
and regional fields.
Following the meeting, the Russian diplomat expressed his country’s support to
the Baabda declaration adding that efforts must be exerted in order to maintain
Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty, and independence.
On another note, Bogdanov said that Lebanese officials should agree on means to
deal with internal and foreign affairs adding that Russia is following up on
the formation of the new cabinet.
After Wata al-Msaytbe, Bogdanov visited Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea in
Maarab, where he wished Lebanon security, stability and peace through dialogue.
Bogdanov also stressed that he refuses using territories bordering Syria to
interfere in its internal affairs, supporting a political solution for the
crisis.
For his part, Geagea stressed to Bogdanov the need for a quick settlement of
the Syrian crisis "because its continuity will negatively affect Lebanon
and Jordan", noting that the necessity of the swift formation of the new
cabinet has been agreed upon.
It is worth noting that Bogdanov held a meeting with a delegation of the Future bloc headed by
Future bloc leader Fouad Siniora at Beit al-Wasat whereby he voiced concern
over further discrepancies in Syria and Lebanon should the Syrian crisis drag on, stressing the need to
exert all efforts to settle the crisis as soon as possible.
In this context, Bogdanov considered it would be better that “Hezbollah’s
intervention in the Syrian crisis” be discussed between the Lebanese parties.
Russian
Deputy Foreign Minister also met with the Lebanese Democratic Party
leader MP Talal Arslan in Khaldeh, and voiced reassurance over Arslan’s stances
in regards to the role played by Russia in the region.
For his part,
MP Arslan praised the Russian role in Syria since “it maintains the country’s
independence, steering clear of any foreign intervention”, stressing that “the
Syrian crisis can only be settled through dialogue”.
To watch the full report, please click on the video above.