Russia concerned over developments in Lebanon: Foreign Ministry

Moscow, Nov 24 (UNI) Russia today expressed concern over the resignation of Lebanese President and urged the local politicians to prevent a civil war.

''Lebanese President Emile Lahoud's mandate expired on November 24, and he left office. The parliament, which, in line with the constitution, has to elect the head of state, has failed to reach an agreement on a candidate for the new presidency,'' Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mikhail Kamyin said in a statement.

''As a result, the session of the Chamber of Deputies, which was scheduled for November 23 and had been postponed three times before that, did not take place again because of the lack of the quorum of two thirds of parliamentarians,'' he said.

Moscow viewed the development of the situation with regret and deep concern.

''We are once again calling on all Lebanese leaders to show themselves as wise statesmen and realise their responsibility for the future of their people,'' Mr Kamyin said, adding, ''We are sure that the Lebanese themselves are capable of overcoming this serious ordeal with honour if nobody interferes in their affairs.'' The priority was to avoid an open confrontation, not to mention one involving the use of force, and continue to look for a broad consensus in line with the Lebanese constitution, the spokesperson said.

This is the only way to preserve Lebanon's political independence, sovereignty, and unity and save it from the replay of civilian strife, which would be pernicious to the country and the entire region, he added.

UNI