Hariri Discusses Developments with Lavrov in Moscow
Head of al-Mustaqbal Movement and Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri kicked off his two-day official visit to Moscow on Wednesday by meeting with Russian FM Sergei Lavrov.
Talks underlined the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, a statement issued by Hariri's press office read.
He expressed fear over the instability in the region, the security challenges and the interference in the affairs of the Arab countries.
“We are facing terrorism in Lebanon and the region... we are only concerned with safeguarding stability in Lebanon and dissociating it from any conflict,” Hariri told Lavrov.
He called for the election of a new head of state.
For his part, the Russian FM stressed Moscow's unwavering support to Lebanon, saying: “We are concerned with maintaining your country's stability, security, peace and the activity of state institutions.”
He expressed regret over the extremist threats challenging Lebanon.
“We will exchange opinions regarding the necessary measures to combat terrorism and achieve stability in Lebanon... as we take into consideration the developments in the region... we are interested in activating the bilateral ties,” Lavrov added.
The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Russian Foreign Ministry in presence of Hariri's adviser Nader Hariri, his Adviser for Russian Affairs Georges Chaaban, and former MPs Ghattas Khoury and Bassem al-Sabeh.
President Vladimir Putin's Special Representative for the Middle East and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, the director of the Department of Middle East and North Africa at the foreign ministry Sergey Vershinin and the chief of the Lebanon and Syria section at the ministry of foreign Affairs Andrey Panov also attended the talks.
Hariri arrived Tuesday evening Moscow. He is expected to meet with Putin and a number of officials during his stay.
The ex-PM is also accompanied by Deputy Speaker Farid Makari.
The Lebanese leader will reportedly tackle with Putin the latest developments in the region and ways to safeguard Lebanon from their repercussions, in addition to the possible means of supporting the country's military capabilities.
The two officials will also highlight Hariri's recent visits to Washington, Ankara, Doha and his meeting with French President Francois Hollande in Riyadh.
Hariri's shuttle diplomacy aims at safeguarding Lebanon from the repercussions of the turmoil in the region.
Vacuum striking the presidential post since May last year is having a tough impact on the cabinet and the parliament as the state is threatened with further crises over ongoing rows between the rival parties.
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