Russia concerned over situation in Lebanon

Moscow, May 20 (UNI) Russian Foreign Ministry today said Moscow was deeply concerned over the situation in Lebanon and expressed the hope for an end to bloodshed in the country.

''The flare-up of violence against the backdrop of the tense situation in Lebanon causes Russia's deep concern ,'' it said in a statement, referring to the fierce fighting that broke out on May 20 between the Lebanese army and the Al Qaida-linked Fatah-al-Islam militant group in northern Lebanon, in which several people were killed and dozens wounded.

The clashes occurred at the Nahr-al-Bared Palestinian refugee camp.

''The tragic developments confirm the need for all the parties to show respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of Lebanon under the united and exclusive power of the Lebanese government on the country's entire territory as sealed in decisions made by the international community,'' the statement noted.

UNI