BEIJING, Mar. 2 -- Russia has come out in firm support of the political independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon.

    Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko made this remark on Tuesday in connection with the resignation of the Lebanese government.

    The diplomat said Russia was watching events in Lebanon very closely and insisted that it was very important that the search for solutions to the most pressing issues of the internal and foreign policy agenda of Lebanon be carried out within the country's constitution framework.

    He added that the the decisive word must belong to the Lebanese people in matters of both the internal structure of Lebanon and the establishment of friendly relations with other countries.

    He also said that the UN Security Council's Resolution 1559 calling for the pullout of all foreign troops from Lebanon "must be fulfilled". This, he said, would allow finally achieving a fair and reliable peace and thus a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East.

    (Source: CRIENGLISH.com)