Russia Urges Dialogue to Confront Local Challenges Away from Foreign Dictates

The Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that Moscow backed a solution to local Lebanese challenges through national dialogue in the aftermath of the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Miqati's government.

“We are confident that the formation of the new government and holding parliamentary elections would be resolved by the Lebanese through national dialogue and not through foreign dictates,” said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich.

“Democratic and security institutions are capable of guaranteeing the appropriate circumstances in taking the decisions that fall in favor of Lebanon and all the Lebanese in case foreign forces don't meddle in Lebanon's internal affairs,” he said.

“Moscow backs the efforts exerted by the Lebanese leadership and its political and religious parties in confronting the local challenges peacefully,” the spokesman added.

He reiterated that Russia backs a sovereign, independent and united Lebanon.

Miqati announced his resignation on Friday after cabinet infighting on the extension of the term of Internal Security Forces chief Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi and the establishment of the authority that would oversee the elections.

Lukashevich accused the armed Syrian opposition and its supporters in Lebanon of transferring arms and helping the infiltration of gunmen across the Lebanese-Syrian border.

But he praised the role of the Lebanese army in confronting such attempts to prevent turning Lebanese territories into a safe haven for gunmen.