Hezbollah intervention in Syria 'legitimate': Russian ambassador to Lebanon

BEIRUT: Hezbollah's intervention in the Syrian conflict where it is fighting alongside government forces is legitimate, as long as foreign fighters are swelling the ranks of the opposition, Russian ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin said in comments published Tuesday.

He also stressed that divisions over Syria should not hinder internal Lebanese dialogue which he described as a necessity backed by foreign countries.

“The party (Hezbollah) will remain engaged in the fight to aid the legitimate regime as long as fighters from dozens of countries are streaming into [Syria] to fight against the regime...,” Zasypkin said in an interview with daily newspaper An-Nahar.

“In such emergencies, the need is to focus on combatting terrorism and fundamentalist, not stir strife,” Zasypkin added.

The Russian envoy lauded Lebanese rival factions for their engagement to conduct dialogue which he said “is strongly requested” to deal with “existing challenges and dangers.”

“Foreign countries support this dialogue, especially that it touches on not only Lebanese, but also regional issues, and I mean primarily combating terrorism and extremism,” Zasypkin said.

Hezbollah and the Future Movement launched talks in Decembers aimed at easing sectarian tensions exacerbated by the Syrian conflict, while preparations are underway to have a similar dialogue between Christian rivals, the Lebanese Forces and the Free Patriotic Movement.

Zasypkin said his country is concerned about the political program of the future president and his capacity to achieve the main goals of security and stability, regardless of his affiliations.

“We want the most suitable president for Lebanon,” Zasypkin said, noting that settling the presidential stalemate is linked to all Lebanese factions, not only Christians.

Asked about prospects of a political solution for the Syrian conflict in the near future, Zasypkin argued that chances have dimmed due to existing situations in the region and internationally.

“The U.S. is taking advantage of the Ukrainian crisis to undermine Russia and this has reflected negatively on global issues and disrupted any settlements,” Zasypkin added.