Russia Advises Lebanon’s PM-Designate Not to Step Down
SMA NEWS – MOSCOW
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov has thrown his support behind Lebanese Premier-designate Saad Hariri, saying he should not step aside over the government formation deadlock, al-Mustaqbal movement sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.
On Friday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that a telephone conversation took place between Bogdanov and Hariri.
During the conversation, Bogdanov confirmed Russia’s firm support for efforts to form a government of experts headed by Hariri.
The statement added that Bogdanov stressed the importance of reaching a national consensus on the principles of Lebanon’s national unity, territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty.
Hariri was named premier for a fourth time last October, promising to form a cabinet of specialists to enact reforms needed to unlock foreign aid, but the process has stalled over nominations of ministers.
