Zasypkin Stresses Syrian Unity, Hails Hizbullah Keenness on Stability

Local Editor

Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin stressed Saturday that "all eyes should be directed to the Palestinian issue after the lifting of the siege on Gaza."

He further urged for the re-convening of the Quartet's meeting to discuss the final solution, refusing to describe its activities as "ineffective".
In an interview with "as-Safir" Lebanese newspaper, Zasypkin rejected the link between Gaza and the Iranian nuclear file. "The latter has its own dynamism," the Russian diplomat said.

"The recent negotiations between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his US counterpart Hillary Clinton showed that Americans are still firm in their positions on the Syrian crisis, calling for the step down of [Syrian President Bashar] al-Assad," he revealed.
However, the Russian position, according to Zasypkin is characterized by "pragmatism and sticking to Geneva Convention."

Meanwhile, he voiced his country's rejection to the Syrian Opposition Coalition.
"This gathering does not represent the whole opposition since important sides aren't represented in it," the Russian official said: "This is totally unacceptable and confessions obtained by some foreign parties aren't in Syria's interest."
Moreover, he warned that "the coalition will lead to escalating tensions and narrowing the chances of agreement."

On the proposals for a Syrian Confederation, Zasypkin confirmed: "We stress Syria's unity."
Moving to the Lebanese internal front, the official hailed Hizbullah's adherence to preserve Lebanon's stability, ruling out any possibility of an Israeli aggression on the country.
Zasypkin described relations with Hizbullah as "normal, ongoing and constructive."

He also reiterated support to Lebanon's stability and the dissociation policy adopted by the government which he described as "appropriate for the current phase."

Source: as-Safir Lebanese daily, Translated and Edited by moqawama.org