Russia calls for restraint

MOSCOW: Russia’s foreign ministry yesterday called on all sides in Lebanon to “show restraint” after deadly clashes rocked its capital Beirut as tensions rise over last year’s port explosion.

“Moscow is extremely concerned about the growing political tensions in Lebanon,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

“We call on all Lebanese politicians to show restraint and prudence.”

The ministry added that it hoped the government of new Prime Minister Najib Mikati would be able to cope with a “dangerous and considerably difficult challenge”.

France, the United States and the United Nations earlier appealed for calm but also insisted on the need to allow the port explosion probe to continue unhindered.

In its statement, Russia’s foreign ministry called on the Lebanese government to return to resolving the current issues “without external interference”.

Saudi Arabia has also been following the events in Lebanon with interest and hopes the situation stabilises as soon as possible, its foreign ministry said.