Russia has expressed its support for the formation of Lebanon’s new government, emphasizing that this step will contribute to strengthening stability in the country, according to a statement from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"On February 8, Lebanon announced the formation of a new government led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, consisting of 24 ministers representing all of the country's ethno-religious groups. The cabinet members are expected to draft a policy statement and present it to the Lebanese Parliament, in accordance with the country’s Constitution, to secure a vote of confidence. Moscow welcomes this significant step toward restoring effective governance in Lebanon and strengthening stability in a country that has long been a friend to Russia, based on internal Lebanese consensus," the statement said.
The Russian ministry reaffirmed its unwavering support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, while expressing readiness to further strengthen multifaceted Russian-Lebanese relations on a basis of mutual respect and shared benefit.
The announcement follows President Joseph Aoun’s approval of the new government led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. According to the cabinet’s secretary-general, Mahmoud Mekkiyeh, the Foreign Minister will be Yousef Raji (a Maronite Christian), while retired generals Ahmed al-Hajjar (a Sunni Muslim) and Michel Menassa (an Orthodox Christian) will head the Interior and Defense Ministries, respectively. Yassin Jaber (a Shia Muslim) has been appointed Finance Minister.
Lebanon’s political structure is based on a confessional system that designates the presidency to Maronite Christians, the premiership to Sunni Muslims, and the parliamentary speakership to Shia Muslims.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Aleksey Polyakov/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on TASS materials