LOC23:12
20:12 GMT
MOSCOW, Nov 16 (KUNA) -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called Tuesday
for not interfering in Lebanon's internal affairs and urged the Lebanese to
solve their problems by themselves.
Medvedev, in a meeting with visiting Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri
here, rejected any foreign interference in Lebanon's affairs, Russian
presidential aide Sergei Prikhodko told reporters after the meeting.
He said Medvedev asserted importance that the Lebanese political forces
should address their issues by themselves in line with the constitution,
dialogue and conciliation.
The Russian leader said violence should be ruled out from Lebanese politics.
Both leaders, said Prikhodko, called for promoting cultural, energy and
humanitarian relations.
They discussed the situation in the Middle East, he said, and Medvedev
re-affirmed Russia's support for the special international tribunal probing
the killing of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Al-Hariri, in a drive to reach
justice thus boosting democracy and stability in Lebanon.
Al-Hariri, meanwhile, appreciated Russia's role to assisting the build-up
of the Lebanese army and security forces.
Al-Hariri also said that Russia was playing a key role in the peace process
in the Middle East. Russia is a member in the Middle East diplomatic Quartet
which also consist of the UN, the US and EU.
The Lebanese Prime Minister held talks with his Russian counterpart
Vladimir Putin yesterday, following which both countries signed agreements to
supply the Lebanese army with Russian arms and equipment. (end)
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KUNA 162312 Nov 10NNNN