Bogdanov in Beirut: No for Interference in Lebanon

Local Editor

A special Middle East envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin began talks in Beirut.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov arrived here as part of a regional tour for talks likely to focus on the escalating military confrontation between Syrian rebels and troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.

In addition to meeting top Lebanese leaders, Bogdanov, who flew in from Istanbul after visiting Iran, will also hold talks with officials from the March 8 and March 14 parties.
Bogdanov met Kataeb Party leader ex-President Amin Gemayel before holding talks with National Struggle Front Leader MP Walid Jumblatt at the later residence in Clemenceau.

Neither the Russian envoy nor the Jumblatt spoke to reporters after the meeting, which was followed by a dinner hosted by the MP for his guest. The meeting was also attended by Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zaspikin, the caretaker ministers Ghazi Aridi, Wael Abu Faour and Alaaeddine Terro, and Jumblatt's son, Taymour.
"The primary aim of Bogdanov's visit is to exchange views with Lebanese officials on the situation in Lebanon and the crisis in Syria," the Russian diplomat said.
"Bogdanov will restate Russia's official position which calls for preserving stability in Lebanon and preventing the repercussions of the Syrian crisis from spilling over into Lebanon," he added.

On the conflict in Syria, Bogdanov will reiterate Moscow's stance, which calls for a cessation of violence and a peaceful solution based on the Geneva agreement, the diplomat said. He was referring to the June 2012 agreement which laid down plans to ensure a political transition in Syria, but it makes no specific mention on whether al-Assad should give up power.

Bogdanov will meet separately Friday with President Michel Suleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam. "Bogdanov's talks with Lebanese leaders will center on the situation in the region, the repercussions of the Syrian crisis on Lebanon and Lebanese-Russian relations," the diplomat said.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting with Gemayel, which was attended by Kataeb MPs Nadim Gemayel, Fadi Habr and Samer Saade, Bogdanov called for non-interference in the internal Lebanese situation.
Referring to deep divisions over the crisis in Syria, the Russian envoy urged the rival Lebanese factions to enter into dialogue to reach a solution to the political crisis in Lebanon. "Russia's position has always supported Lebanon's sovereignty, independence and the unity and safety of its territories," Bogdanov said.

Bogdanov said he agreed with Gemayel that the Christians in the region were experiencing "difficult and complex circumstances."

During a meeting with a delegation from Greek Orthodox societies and clubs at the Phoenicia Hotel, the Russian envoy condemned the kidnapping of the two bishopsin Syria, saying his country was making efforts to secure their release.
"All of Russia, the leadership, the people and the church, are worried about [the kidnapping]. We will do our best to secure the release [of the two bishops] and work to resolve the entire crisis in Syria," Bogdanov said.

Source: News agencies, Edited by moqawama.org