Zasypkin Reiterates Calls for Adoption of Baabda Declaration

Russian ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin considered on Wednesday that the Baabda declaration is the basis of the Lebanese state, hailing the efforts exerted by the authorities and the army to prevent strife in the country.

“Russia is committed to stability and security in Lebanon,” Zasypkin said marking the National Day Russia at Coral Beach Hotel.

He pointed out that his country “constructive” cooperation with the Lebanese, urging foes to exert efforts to resolve all the lingering disputes and resume the national dialogue.

The Baabda Declaration, approved during a national dialogue session in June 2012, calls for Lebanon to disassociate itself from regional conflicts.

Although Lebanon has officially adopted a position of neutrality in Syria's war, its people are sharply divided with Hizbullah and its allies backing President Bashar Assad's regime and the March 14 coalition supports the rebellion.

Syria's civil war has exacerbated sectarian tensions in Lebanon and its security situation has deteriorated due to various groups intervention in battles in the neighboring country.

Analysts recently warned that the foray into Syria's civil war by Hizbullah has fueled a Sunni-Shiite polarization that threatens to feed extremism on both sides and export the conflict to the wider region.