"The Russian top regards Lebanon as one of its partners. It is interested in stepping up bilateral partnership in all fields. We shall carry on Russian-Lebanese team efforts for a just and comprehensive settlement of the Mideastern issue, proceeding from international decisions and UN Security Council resolutions," Mr. Bolotin said after the ceremony.
As he pointed out, Syria is to regain the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, and Lebanon and Israel are to settle all bilateral disputes. A lasting peace in that part of the world will be inaccessible otherwise.
Supreme national award, the Order of the Cedar was established in 1958 in honour of the cedar tree, which the country carries in its coat-of-arms and on its flag as symbol of Lebanon. The order has five classes. The 5th and highest has the world's largest star and badge.
