Russia expresses concern over situation in Lebanon, urges restraint

Moscow, May 10 (UNI) Expressing concern over resurgence of violence and complicated situation in Lebanon, Russia has urged Lebanese politicians to show restraint and wisdom.

''We urge Lebanese politicians to show restraint and wisdom in this complex and urgent situation,'' Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

''All efforts must be focused on preventing the escalation of the conflict,'' it said yesterday, after the government's actions targeting Hezbollah's military communications network.

''Russia will continue its efforts to help finding a peaceful resolution to the internal political crisis in Lebanon in order to ensure sovereignty, independence and unity of this unique country in the West Asia,'' it noted.

Thirty Russians, who remain in Lebanon as the only airport in Beirut was closed due to the recent armed clashes, may leave the country on May 13, the Ministry said today.

''We do not exclude that the Beirut airport will be reopened in the coming days and the expected Aeroflot flight on the night of May 13 will take place,'' it said in a statement.

It said 30 Russians were unable to leave the country as the airport was closed, but the number may be higher since ''we speak for now only about those, who turned to the Russian Embassy in Beirut.'' UNI XC RJ HS1819