Russian official: no peace without Syria and Lebanon

Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry Sergey Vershinen on Monday underlined the importance of the Syrian-Lebanese tracks in the Middle East peace process and stability. "Russia calls for a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East to achieve security and stability in the region," the Russian diplomat said in a statement.

He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin's latest visit to the region has showed that "the Middle East countries are interested in a more effective Russian role to revive the peace process."