Russian foreign minister begins Middle East tour from Beirut

Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov arrived in Beirut Friday for a 24-hour visit aimed at promoting his country's role as mediator in the Middle East peace process.

Primakov's stop in Beirut was the first in a week-long regional tour which will also take him to Egypt, Syria, Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

Upon arrival, Primakov met with Lebanese President Elias Hrawi, House Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Rafik Hariri as well as Foreign Minister Faris Bweiz.

"Russia has ideas that may help revive the peace talks on all tracks," Primakov told reporters after his meeting with Hariri. He did not elaborate.

"We will try to work on some ideas which could help in reviving the peace process but I cannot promise immediate success," he added through a translator.

The Russian official said Lebanon had a fundamental role in the region, adding that his country placed great hopes on that role.

Primakov also expressed for the first time his country's wish to join a five-nation committee monitoring a U.S.-brokered understanding which halted an Israeli offensive on Hezbollah guerrillas in south Lebanon in April 1996.

The committee, comprising representatives from the United States, France, Israel, Syria and Lebanon, tries to ensure compliance with the April understanding, which prohibits attacks by Lebanese guerrillas and Israeli troops on civilians on either side of the border.

"Russia is ready to join the monitoring group and revive its role in the region after the escalation in the security situation in south Lebanon and northern Israel" recently witnessed, Primakov said.

He added that Russia's role as mediator in the region was essential as a neutral party in Arab-Israeli negotiations.

Primakov left Beirut Saturday headed for neighboring Syria, where he will meet with Syrian President Elias Hrawi.