By Xinhua
Moscow : Russia on Monday called Lebanese political leaders to show restraint and calm in a bid to prevent further escalation of the most serious political deadlock that has sparked riots in the Arab nation.
“It is important to prevent further escalation and search for ways to settle all disputes by dialogue and within the Constitution,” Itar-Tass news agency quoted Foreign Ministry sources as saying.
Lebanon’s presidential seat has been vacant since former President Emile Lahoud stepped down last November. The parliament has postponed a long-waited session to elect a new president.
“In light of the long political crisis and the deadline for electing a president the clashes in Beirut arouse deep concern. Under these dangerous circumstances we call on all Lebanese political leaders to show restraint and calm,” the ministry said.
Russian leadership is to hold talks with Walid Jumblatt, leader of Lebanon’s Druze clan, this week in Moscow to discuss situation there.