MOSCOW, March 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko said on Wednesday that Russia welcomes the withdrawal of all Syrian troops from Lebanon, the Itar-Tass reported.

    "This important step taken by the leadership of Syria and Lebanon complies with the Taif agreement and U.N. Security Councilresolution 1559, " Yakovenko said.

    Syria has started pulling out its troops from Lebanon under a decision from the Syrian-Lebanese Supreme Council. The Council gathered in Damascus on March 7 and chaired by the presidents of the two countries -- Bashar al-Assad and Emil Lahoud.

    Yakovenko said Russia believes that such actions could improve the situation in Lebanon and the whole region within preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Lebanon.

    Russia insist the elections are free, transparent and bring in line with common democratic standards. "This will allow us to ensure sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon," Yakovenko stressed.

    He praised the Syrian leadership taking steps in a right direction, noting "it would be counter-productive to demand Damascus withdraw its troops immediately."

    Yakovenko also indicated "U.N. Security Council resolution 1559does not impose any temporary schedule. It is technically impossible to withdraw Syrian troops from Lebanon at one time. From the political point of view such withdrawal can destabilize the situation in Lebanon." Enditem