Russia Calls for Ceasefire and Political Settlement in Lebanon

Dragon Media News Desk

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Lebanese Foreign Minister and Minister of Emigrants Youssef Rajji discussed the situation in Lebanon, regional tensions and bilateral cooperation during talks on October 12.

The Russian side expressed serious concern over continuing hostilities in southern Lebanon and called for an immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and a political and diplomatic settlement in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the ministers also discussed whether an international presence in Lebanon could be maintained in a different form after the current mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon ends. They stressed the importance of regular political dialogue, exchanges of delegations, business partnerships, and stronger cultural and humanitarian ties.

On the Gulf crisis, the ministers said disagreements should be resolved through political and diplomatic means, taking into account the legitimate interests of the countries involved. They also called for the swift and full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, immediate humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians and the normalisation of the situation in the West Bank.

Lavrov and Rajji reaffirmed support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stressed the need for international efforts to assist its post-conflict recovery. Lavrov also briefed his Lebanese counterpart on the latest developments in the Ukraine crisis.