Russia to lend a hand to Lebanese Army: Lavrov

MESOP FOCUS: Nach ostermärschlich linkem wie nun auch übereinstimmend rechtem Verständnis, dehnt  sich “prinzipiell nur die NATO” aus, welche im Übrigen aber real von der Schwindsucht betroffen ist – empirisch dagegen erweitern Lavrov/Putin ihre militärischen Optionen. Aber was ist schon „Empirie“, wenn man sich selber suggeriert, über „Theorie“ zu verfügen? GD

The Daily Star – Lebanon – 24.4.2014 – BEIRUT: Russia will work to boost the capacities of the Lebanese Army, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday, adding that his country respects the democratic process in Lebanon.

“ Russia will enhance military cooperation with Lebanon, mainly by reinforcing the defense capabilities of the Lebanese Army and security forces,” Lavrov said during a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Gebran Bassil in Mosow. “We will present our contributions to the international community in the plan to reinforce the Lebanese Army and the state institutions,” he said, in reference to the plan by the International Support Group for Lebanon. Lavrov also said Russia would not interfere in the Lebanese presidential election.“The presidential election is a Lebanese affair… Russia does not have any preferences concerning the presidential election,” he said. “We are looking forward to the presidential election.”

“Electing a new president could unite the Lebanese society,” he added. He said that “Lebanon is a complicated country and the constitution should be respected by everyone,” adding that his country will coordinate with anyone elected as new head of state. For his part, Bassil said that Russia can play a prominent role in contributing to political stability in Lebanon and the Middle East.

He also said that Lebanese and Russia should cooperate regarding Lebanon’s oil resources and the Syrian refugees crisis. Lavrov proposed a “systematic solution” for the refugee issue rather than “temporary humanitarian assistance.” Bassil, a former Energy Minister, said Russia should take part in oil and gas exploration in the seabed off Lebanon’s coast. The foreign minister left Beirut Wednesday heading to Moscow on a two-day official visit to hold talks with Russian officials on bilateral ties and Russia’s role in the region. Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Apr-24/254246-russia-to-lend-a-hand-to-lebanese-army-lavrov.ashx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=transactional&utm_campaign=Newsletter#ixzz2zoxCx2Jn

(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)