Russia and Lebanon Discuss Ending Hostilities and Maintaining UN Presence

Dragon Media News Desk

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam held talks in New York on September 23 on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The two sides held detailed discussions on recent developments in the Middle East, particularly the situation in and around Lebanon.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s support for Lebanon’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty. Both sides emphasized the need to end ongoing hostilities in Lebanon and create favorable conditions for a political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict.

The meeting also addressed the importance of advancing conflict resolution in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. Adopted in 2006, the resolution addresses the cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel and the strengthening of security arrangements in southern Lebanon.

The two sides paid particular attention to the possibility of maintaining a United Nations presence in Lebanon as the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) approaches its expiry. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the discussion addressed questions concerning future security arrangements and the continuity of international assistance.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on further strengthening the traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Lebanon. Both sides expressed their intention to maintain regular political dialogue and continue engagement on bilateral relations and regional peace.