Russia hails political settlement in Lebanon

Moscow, May 22: Russia has hailed the political settlement in Lebanon, saying it will continue promoting long-term political settlement in the country, in bilateral and multilateral formats.

''Moscow hails these arrangements sincerely. We are convinced that they open the way to overcoming the protracted home policy crisis, meet the aspirations of all Lebanese, whatever their political leanings and creed, and suit the interests of ensuring peace and stability in the region,'' spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Boris Malakhov said in a statement late last night.

Mr Malakhov was commenting on the agreement signed in Doha, the capital of Qatar, on May 21, between the political forces of Lebanon for the settlement of the country's crisis. "We give their due to the Lebanese leaders who, adhering to constitutional mainstays, managed to overcome differences and achieve mutually acceptable solutions in the name of national consensus, united, sovereign and independent Lebanon,'' Mr Malakhov said.

''We highly value the consistent efforts of the leaders of Qatar and of the League of Arab States on the basis of the Arab initiative for Lebanese settlement,'' he added.

The main arrangements include election by parliament within 24 hours of President of the Republic of Lebanon, distribution of the seats in a future national unity government, the principles of amending law on parliamentary elections, non-use of force in political purposes, the continuation of the pan-Lebanese dialogue.

''It is necessary, without losing pace, in the spirit of constructive interaction shown in Doha, to pass on to practical implementation of the arrangements in full volume,'' Mr Malakhov said.

''It is important that the inter-Lebanese accord receive the support of all external and regional sides interested in the stable and prosperous Lebanon,'' he noted.

UNI