Lavrov: Moscow to Prevent Spread of Terrorism to Lebanon

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Wednesday that his country will do all it can to prevent terrorism from fanning out to Lebanon, the National News Agency said.

“Russia will do everything it can to prevent terrorism from spreading to Lebanon,” said Lavrov prior to a meeting with his Lebanese counterpart Jebran Bassil in Moscow.

“Russia is ready to support the Lebanese army. It is crucial to mobilize a broad front against the Islamic State and to push the political operation in Syria,” said Lavrov in a press conference afterward.

“We respect Lebanon's sovereignty and fortify its security. We will help it with all means possible to preserve its security,” added the FM.

For his part, Bassil: “I praise the positive role of Russia in combating terrorism in Syria.

“A political resolution is the only solution for the crisis in Syria. It is what everyone agrees on,” he added.

“The Syrian people must decide their own country's destiny. The influx of migrants to neighboring countries is a real concern and can even change the region,” stated Bassil.

“The Islamic State is no longer a threat solely to the region, but it has become a threat to the whole world and the latest incidents in France are the best proof of that.”

“Security measures to combat terrorism are always present,” he concluded.

Bassil arrived in Moscow on Tuesday on a two-day official visit for talks with Lavrov on combating terrorism, as well as resolving the presidential deadlock in Lebanon.

Last week a twin terrorist bombing rocked the Bourj al-Barajneh neighborhood south of Beirut that killed at least 43 and wounded over 200.

The bombing was claimed by the Islamic state.

Lebanon has been without a president since May 2014 when the term of Michel Suleiman ended without the election of a successor.