Moscow expects that the new Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati will soon manage to form a new government with full powers, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
"Given Lebanon's realities, Mikati will have a difficult task. Nevertheless, we expect that a capable cabinet, supported by the leading political forces of the Lebanese Republic, will appear as soon as possible. This corresponds to the real national interests of Lebanon, with which Russia has traditionally friendly relations," noted in the diplomatic mission.
Smolensk Square stressed that Russia believes that the effective functioning of institutions of power is a necessary element for ensuring state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon. "We call on representatives of all socio-political and ethno-confessional circles to show a responsible approach and readiness for a constructive dialogue and compromise, taking into account the socio-economic challenges Lebanon faces," the Russian Foreign Ministry added.
On Monday, President of Lebanon Michel Aoun appointed a deputy from the northern city of Tripoli Mikati as Prime Minister and ordered him to form a new government of the republic. Mikati's candidacy won the support of 72 out of 115 members of the legislature, following the head of state's consultations with parliamentary factions at Baabda Palace. Mikati, 65, a politician and businessman, has twice headed Lebanon's government: during a period of intense political confrontation in 2005 following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and at the height of the crisis in neighboring Syria from 2011 to 2014.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Creative Commons
Based on materials from TASS