Russia on Tripoli Unrest: We're Against Any Interference in Lebanon Affairs

Russia on Friday voiced its rejection of any interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, in the wake of the deadly clashes that erupted in the northern city of Tripoli.

“Moscow is very concerned over the situation in Tripoli … and urges all parties to halt violence and respect the ceasefire reached on Wednesday with the support of Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Miqati,” the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement carried by the state RIA Novosti news agency.

“It is important to resolve all disputes through national dialogue and to take into consideration the interests of all the political and religious forces in the country. This is the only way to guarantee stability and democratic, economic and social development in Lebanon,” it added.

The ministry also stressed Russia’s “support for Lebanon and its independence and territorial integrity.”

Clashes between pro- and anti-Syrian factions in the northern city of Tripoli killed three people including a Sunni cleric on Friday, jeopardizing a fragile truce.

The deaths brought to 14 the number of people killed in fighting between the rival neighborhoods of Jabal Mohsen and Bab al-Tabbaneh over the past five days.

A further 110 people have been wounded, most of them shot by snipers.

The United Nations on Wednesday called for greater international support to protect an increasingly divided Lebanon from fallout from the civil war in neighboring Syria.

"As the crisis in Syria continues to deteriorate, the situation in Lebanon has become more precarious and the need for continued international support to the government and the Lebanese Armed Forces increasingly important," said under secretary general Jeffrey Feltman.

"Tensions over domestic and security concerns remain high throughout the country and are easily exacerbated by developments in Syria," Feltman told a council meeting on the Middle East.

Tripoli’s clashes, the kidnappings of Syrians in Lebanon, and shelling across the border have all heightened concern about Lebanon's stability.

Feltman said the arrest of former minister Michel Samaha for involvement in smuggling explosives from Syria had also "deepened concerns about attempts to draw Lebanon into regional concerns."