Lebanese Interior Minister: Lebanon Counts on Russia to Preserve Stability in Middle East

MOSCOW, September 22 (RIA Novosti) - Lebanon is counting on Russia's support to preserve stability in the country, Lebanese Interior and Municipalities Minister Nouhad Machnouk told Rossiya Segodnya.

“We count on Russian support. Russia is an important player in the Middle East, and we hope to use its influence and experience to maintain the stability of Lebanon,” Machnouk said.

He noted the importance of maintaining good relations with various religious groups to improve stability in the Middle East. “It is not possible to succeed without the stabilization of the situation in the states themselves, primarily in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, and without balancing the relations with the various religious communities,” Machnouk concluded.

The minister also said that the Islamic State terrorist organization is already in Lebanon. “This group is already in Lebanon! For example, in the area of Arsal [on the border with Syria] members of the Islamic state were among those who recently kidnapped Lebanese servicemen,” the interior and municipalities minister stated.

Machnouk finished his Moscow trip on Sunday visiting representatives of the Foreign Ministry, Interior Ministry and intelligence agencies. He also stated that Lebanon is engaged in talks with Russia to buy weaponry and special equipment for the country's needs.