Russia Supports STL, Urges Officials to Form New Cabinet

Russian ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin urged the Lebanese to speed up the government formation process in order for the new Cabinet to improve cooperation with Russia, As Safir newspaper reported on Saturday.

Zasypkin stressed on “forming a strong government in Lebanon, capable of leading the country on the security, economy, and political levels.”

Asked about the link between the government formation and the indictment in the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, he said that Russia rejects any attempts to politicize the issue.

“We refuse to discuss the repercussions and influences that might take place in Lebanon because of the indictment,” the ambassador said.

Zasypkin added that his country refuses to take sides in this issue to avoid getting embroiled in this matter.

Furthermore, he ruled out the possibility of a major security incident taking place in Lebanon in light of the abduction of the seven Estonian cyclists in March and attack on a UNIFIL patrol at the southern city of Sidon a few weeks ago.

The Russian ambassador concluded with a hope that the regional developments would positively affect Lebanon.