Special report: Israel-Lebanon conflicts [Gallery] [Videos]

    MOSCOW, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's parliament majority leader Saad Hariri on Friday asked Russia to press Israel to accept an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East.

    "We are asking you to use your relations with Israel to secure an immediate ceasefire in order to ensure the return of people evacuated from Lebanon to their homes," Hariri said at a meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Igor Ivanov, the Interfax news agency reported.

    One million people have been displaced as a result of the hostilities, Hariri said.

    Moscow wants an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon,Ivanov said.

    "Only an immediate ceasefire can create the conditions necessary for a political solution to all problems facing the region. We will continue to insist on it, both within the United Nations and at talks with our partners," he said.

    Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said on Thursday over 900 Lebanese had been killed and about 3,000 people injured in Israel's three-week offensive against Hezbollah.

    Dozens of Israeli soldiers and civilians also have been killed in rocket attacks by Hezbollah.

    The Russian foreign ministry on Thursday demanded an immediate halt to the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

    "We resolutely demand an immediate ceasefire. This demand is supported by the majority of members of the international community," the ministry said in a statement.

    Russia is a member of the international Quartet mediating for peace in the Middle East. The group's other members are the United Sates, the United Nations, and the European Union. Enditem