Lebanese Foreign Affairs Minister Adnan Mansour said Saturday that Russia can play a critical and important part in aiding Syria out of its predicament in order to protect domestic security, unity and stability, saluting the Russian position towards Damascus during a visit by Ambassador of Russia to the Minister.
The Arab Spring swept over a number of countries, as people demanded freedom and human rights. Syria was one of numerous countries to face this challenge, as people called for the ousting of President Bashar Assad amidst a bloody crackdown on demonstrators. The regime accused terrorists, including members of Al Qaeda, of causing domestic turmoil, while large strata of Syrians accused the ruling party of bloodshed and violence. Numerous countries subjected the Syrian state to sanctions, and the Arab League sent monitors to oversee the situation on field. Russia remained among the major supporters of Assad, a long-time ally.
Ambassador Alexander Zasypkin delivered a letter from Mansour's Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. Mansour acknowledged that dialogue remained the most effective way to find an adequate solution to the Syrian crisis.
Zasypkin subsequently indicated that the mission of the Arab League was important, difficult and dangerous. "[This mission] now requires political and moral support," he said, noting that an opportunity has presented itself now to put an end to all forms of hostility.
"The development of the situation shows once again that there is no substitute for internal political compromise, according to the Arab initiative," he added.
The Russian diplomat deemed sanctions and pressure on Syria unnecessary since, in his words, they will not lead to reform or halt the violence.
Separately, Zasypkin praised the Lebanese people of all factions, hoping that the New Year would bring more stability, civil peace, improved economy and a return to dialogue between political parties in Lebanon.
He finally sent best regards to the Palestinian people, reiterating the importance of the right to return and build an independent state with its capital in Jerusalem. "Russia will always support the just Arab cause and call for the realization of permanent peace in the Middle East," he concluded.
