Hariri Meets Putin, Responds to Syrian Accusations
Head of al-Mustaqbal movement MP Saad Hariri on Friday lauded continued Russian support to Lebanon.
Hariri, during a visit to Moscow, also thanked Russia for all that it "has done regarding the international tribunal" and its support to regain the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms.
Hariri, who met the Russian prime minister, said Vladimir Putin "expressed Russian interest in helping the Lebanese army."
"We have to put a plan in place when Defense Minister Elias Murr visits Russia. (The Russians) are willing to offer arms to the Lebanese army," the MP said.
Regarding allegations on Syrian TV that Mustaqbal Movement had funded Fatah al-Islam, Hariri said: "I do not wish to comment on this while in Russia. But I will when I return back to Lebanon. My response will be clear and direct against these false accusations."
Putin stressed to Hariri that the situation in the Middle East remains worrisome and expressed willingness to "exert every effort to normalize the situation in the region."
"In light of the current state of affairs in the world, in particular the world financial crisis, I am certain that the participation of Arab states in solving these problems is possible and should be effective. We are looking forward for Lebanon to regain its traditional role, to be the financial center of not just the Middle East but the whole world," Putin said.
Hariri told Putin that he looked forward for Russia to "play a major role in the Middle East and in Lebanon in general."
"Lebanon has gone through a very difficult period. However, thanks to its friends we have managed to overcome these difficulties. We are now implementing the Doha agreement; the dialogue is underway in Lebanon under Arab and international auspices," Hariri said.