Zasypkin Voices Concern over Recent Blasts, Calls for Formation of Unity Cabinet

Russian ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin expressed concern on Friday over the latest bombings in Lebanon, calling on the political foes to form a unity cabinet amid the “extraordinary” circumstances in the region.

“We strongly condemn the recent blasts,” Zasypkin said in an interview with As Safir newspaper, saying that his country is seeking to maintain stability and security in Lebanon despite the turmoil in the region.

He pointed out that there is an attempt by “disruptive” sides to escalate the situation in Lebanon, calling for an international solidarity with the country.

Twin bombings targeted the al-Salam and al-Taqwa mosques in Tripoli on August 23 and left 45 people dead and more than 800 injured.

The bomb attacks followed two blasts that rocked Beirut's southern suburbs, the last of which was the Aug. 15 Ruwais bombing, which left 27 people dead and more than 280 wounded.

The series of bombings sparked panic across the country, with citizens reporting the presence of suspicious cars in their neighborhoods everyday.

Concerning the formation of the government process, Zasypkin called for a unity cabinet as the Lebanese state “should be strong amid the exceptional circumstances in the region.”

The diplomat also urged the political foes to resume the national dialogue.

Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam, since his appointment to form a cabinet in April, is seeking the formation of a 24-member cabinet in which the March 8, March 14 and centrists camps would each get eight ministers.

He is also rejecting granting veto power to any power, which the March 8 camp has been demanding.

The March 14 coalition is meanwhile calling for keeping Hizbullah out of the cabinet over its role in Syria's war.