President Vladimir Putin in a telephone conversation with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron discussed the situation in Lebanon with a focus on the measures taken by Russia and France to provide assistance after the explosion in Beirut, the Kremlin press service reports.
"The situation in the Lebanese Republic was reviewed in detail, with an emphasis on the measures taken by Russia and France to provide humanitarian assistance to the Lebanese population after the explosion in the port of Beirut on August 4. Emmanuel Macron shared his impressions of his recent visit to Lebanon, as well as the results of a videoconference organised by France on August 9 to rally international aid for that country," the message reads.
It is emphasized that during the exchange of views on the development of the internal political situation in Lebanon, "the Russian side reaffirmed its position in support of the republic's national unity and sovereignty." "The need to resolve any controversy via a process consisting of and led by the Lebanese, based on constructive dialogue and without external interference, was also underscored".
Macron asked Putin about Russia's participation in the created mechanism of assistance to Lebanon
French President Emmanuel Macron in a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin asked for Russia's participation in the international assistance mechanism for Lebanon, the press service of the Elysee Palace reported on Wednesday.
"On the situation in Lebanon, the President of the Republic asked for Russia's participation in the mechanism established at the international conference of assistance to Beirut and the Lebanese people, which was held on August 9," the statement said.
The press service noted that the French leader also "stressed the importance of interaction between the permanent members of the UN Security Council in order to relieve tension in the interests of the stability of Lebanon and the entire region." "It is necessary to support the creation of a new government in Lebanon with a specific mission to ensure the reconstruction of Beirut, the implementation of reforms and give an appropriate response to the aspirations of the Lebanese people," the Elysee Palace stressed.
Last Sunday, an emergency video conference of donors in support of Beirut, initiated by Macron, raised more than a quarter of a billion euros in the form of financial commitments from participating countries. This short-term assistance is not linked to the implementation of reforms in Lebanon.
A powerful explosion occurred near the port of Beirut on August 4. Hundreds of homes and cars were destroyed or damaged, and some buildings were completely destroyed. According to the authorities, the cause was the detonation of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, confiscated by customs in 2014 and stored in a warehouse. More than 170 people were killed. The capital of Lebanon is recognized as a disaster area, and a state of emergency has been declared in the city for two weeks.
After that, anti-government rallies were held in the city, following which the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Hassan Diyab, announced the resignation of his government in full.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from RIA Novosti, TASS