Lebanon does not endorse Western sanctions imposed on Russia, according to the republic's ambassador to Moscow, Chawki Bou Nassar, in an interview with TASS.
"There have always been direct flights between Russia and Lebanon. Previously, there were three, and during the summer, four direct flights operated by Aeroflot. These flights were discontinued not due to recent events but following the sanctions imposed on Russia by some Western countries after the start of the special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. Lebanon, of course, does not recognize or consider these sanctions legitimate because they do not come from the UN. However, their repercussions could impact the private sector in both Russia and Lebanon, leading to concerns," the ambassador stated.
Ambassador Bou Nassar mentioned that he had personally met with the deputy transportation minister and several Russian officials to discuss the potential restoration of direct air service between the two countries. "I hope that this issue will be resolved in the near future," he added.
The ambassador emphasized the importance of direct flights, noting that Lebanon is home to a significant Russian diaspora, which includes many mixed families, graduates of Soviet and Russian universities, and those who have married Russian women and formed joint families. "The restoration of direct air service will greatly simplify travel between the two countries," he concluded.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS