Moscow welcomes the end of the national salvation government formation process in Lebanon, the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.
"In Lebanon, the process of forming a new government of the country has essentially been completed. Najib Mikati is expected to present a policy statement to the Lebanese parliament in the near future with a view to obtaining a vote of confidence for the new cabinet. Moscow welcomes this important step on the way to stabilizing the internal political situation in Lebanon and creating necessary conditions for pulling the country out of the long-lasting socio-economic crisis, the main condition for which is the restoration of the effective functioning of the executive", said the Russian foreign ministry.
The Russian foreign ministry reiterated "Russia's firm and principled position in support of sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Lebanon," and also the need to solve all problems of the national agenda without external interference.
About the situation in Lebanon
Earlier, President of Lebanon Michel Aoun approved the composition of the new government of 24 ministers, which includes 12 Christians and 12 Muslims. Economy minister Amin Salam will play a key role in reforms and future negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, while the new head of the Justice ministry, Henry Khoury, will work on judicial reform.
Lebanon has been without a government since August 10 last year, following the resignation of the technocrat cabinet headed by Hassan Diab amid the tragic aftermath of the Beirut seaport explosion. Former prime minister, Sunni politician Saad Hariri failed for ten months to reach an agreement with the president on the distribution of ministerial posts between Muslims and Christians, as a result he resigned on July 15.
On July 26, President Aoun instructed an MP from the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, Najib Mikati, to form a national salvation cabinet.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Creative Commons
Based on materials from TASS