Russian Deputy FM in Lebanon Wednesday

Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Michael Bogdanov is scheduled to arrive in Lebanon on Wednesday on a visit where he is set to meet with a number of Lebanese officials.

He is expected to meet with President Michel Suleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati, and Premier-designate Tammam Salam, as well as March 8 and 14 camp officials.

Media reports said that Bogdanov is expected to inquire about various Lebanese opinions over local affairs and the Syrian crisis.

Sources told al-Liwaa newspaper that the Russian official had scheduled his visit before Miqati's resignation on March 22.

They revealed that he is set to deliver to Salam a message of support from Russia.

Salam had conducted a series of consultations with various political powers in order to form a new cabinet.

The March 14 forces are demanding the formation of a neutral government, while the rival March 8 forces are demanding a political one.

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat has meanwhile announced that he opposes the establishment of a one-sided cabinet.