Russia’s FM draws red line for militants at Lebanon’s border

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov vowed Wednesday that his country would exert efforts to prevent “terrorism from advancing into Lebanon.”

Lavrov’s remarks were made ahead of a meeting with his visiting Lebanese counterpart Gebran Bassil, who in turn praised the “positive role played by Moscow in fighting terrorism in Syria.”

“The isolation policy proved its uselessness,” Bassil said ahead of the meeting.

He emphasized that the solution to the conflict in Syria “should be political,” warning that “ISIS (Daesh) no longer threatens the region only but the whole world,” citing the latest attacks in the French capital Paris.

During a joint news conference, Lavrov expressed Russia’s “complete support for Lebanon’s army and the sovereignty of its land,” saying that “it (Moscow) will exert efforts to fortify its security with all the available means.”

On the presidential crisis in Lebanon, the Russian FM urged the Lebanese rivals to “locate Constitutional solutions away from any foreign intervention,” praising the national dialogue between the political arch foes.

Lebanon has been without a head of state since President Michel Sleiman’s term ended in May 2014.

Bassil highlighted the important “bilateral ties between Russia and Lebanon,” calling for a permanent solution for the conflict in the Middle East.

“Lebanon isn’t involved in the conflict in (neighboring) Syria, but the crisis is having an impact on its territories,” the Lebanese FM said.

He underlined Lebanon’s “determination to confront the crisis of refugees,” warning of an increased tension if the number of Syrian encampments on its territories increased.

“A weak Lebanon could become a hub for terrorists, but a strong Lebanon makes them weak,” the FM said, calling on Syrians to decide the fate of their country.

Bassil called for a “united front to confront terror,” underscoring the importance of “limiting the funding of terror groups.”

“The Lebanese authorities will make a decision regarding Russia’s aid to the country.”

Bassil headed to Moscow Tuesday on a two-day official visit, where he is reportedly expected to discuss the ongoing presidential impasse.

He will also hold talks with Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and North Africa Mikhail Bogdanov.