Statement by Russian MFA Spokesman Andrei Nesterenko in Connection with the Formation of a National Unity Government in Lebanon

The Prime Minister of the Lebanese Republic, Fouad Siniora, completed the formation of a national unity government on July 11. It comprises representatives of different political forces of the country, from among the parliament majority and the opposition as well.

Moscow sincerely welcomes this event. We are convinced that by the same token a very important and necessary step has been taken along the path of fully implementing the agreement concluded by the Lebanese parties in Doha in May 2008 through the mediation of Qatar and the League of Arab States. We note with satisfaction that the Lebanese have confirmed their ability on their own, without external intervention, to arrive at consensus in the name of supreme national interests.

The completion of the process of the formation of constitutional bodies of authority of the Lebanese state, achieved at the cost of serious efforts and mutual concessions, is designed to give impetus to further movement forward in tackling the still outstanding issues on the national agenda for the benefit of all Lebanese and in the interest of strengthening the independence, sovereignty and unity of Lebanon. For this purpose the Lebanese parties should strictly adhere to the existing agreement on the non-use of force to achieve political aims and not succumb to provocations from forces trying to thwart the Lebanese settlement process.

As before, Russia will assist in finding a peaceful solution to Lebanese problems in every way, on the basis of intra-Lebanese dialogue and consensus, without outside intervention in Lebanon's affairs from whatever quarter it may come.

July 12, 2008