Lavrov Warns of ‘Bad End’ if Syria Uprising Spreads to Lebanon
Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, warned on Wednesday that the conflict in Syria could spread to Lebanon and “end very badly.”
Speaking in a televised news conference, Lavrov said that there is "a tangible threat" of the Syrian uprising spilling over to Lebanon which "could end very badly."
He also warned about "an artificial escalation" of tensions between two main branches of Islam, Shiites and Sunnis.
Lavrov's statement comes after accusations on Tuesday that the opposition Free Syrian Army of abducting a group of Shiite Lebanese pilgrims inside Syria. The FSA has denied any involvement.
"It is especially tragic that the conflicts between Shiites and Sunnis begin to be exposed and artificially aggravated," Lavrov added in the televised remarks.
"This is a most dangerous development of events which must be avoided at all costs."
Russia has been Syria's most powerful ally over the course of the uprising.
Russia, along with China, has used its veto power to shield Damascus from U.N. sanctions.
The revolt in Syria began 15 months ago, and there are fears the unrest will lead to a regional conflagration, drawing in neighboring countries.
The U.N. estimates the conflict has killed more than 9,000 people since March 2011.
Source: Associated Press, Agence France Presse
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