PRESS RELEASE

The Lebanese National Dialogue Conference resumed work in Lebanon after a months-long break under the aegis of President Michel Suleiman. Its inaugural meeting took place, attended by leaders of 14 major political parties and movements of the country.

A statement was circulated at the end of the meeting that the participants agreed to work towards a national defense strategy for Lebanon. Efforts will also be continued to reduce further domestic political tension and to back up the process of national reconciliation.

Russia welcomes the resumption of national dialogue in Lebanon. We regard this as another significant step along the road of implementing the provisions of the inter-Lebanese agreement concluded at Doha on May 21, 2008. It is important that the joint keen search for a solution to the acute questions of the national agenda has begun on the basis of consideration of the interests of leading political forces and religious confessions. Obviously this isn't going to be easy. Of all the dialogue participants serious efforts will be required, along with awareness of their responsibility to the people and patience. We are convinced, however, that this path alone can bring Lebanon to national consensus, which is a guarantee of its independence and sovereignty and constitutes the foundation of its statehood and of peaceful, democratic and onward national development. Russia has invariably supported and will continue to support these efforts.

September 18, 2008