BALADI NEWS
As the demarcation of Lebanon’s northern maritime border with Syria has never been formally agreed upon,
Lebanon seeks Russia’s mediation on this issue.
“We have knowledge that Syria wants to demarcate the maritime border with Lebanon, and Russia is present in this area and at this border in particular,” Lebanese Defense Minister Bou Saab told the Russian news agency, according to al-Monitor media outlet.
Saab mentioned that Russia may be incentivized by its own economic interests in the area. Together with Italian Eni and French Total, the Russian Novatek company is part of the consortium of international oil companies that will start exploration operations in December in Lebanon's offshore Block 4.
Lebanon is also significant for Russia within the context of Moscow’s efforts to reinforce the stability of Syrian administrative institutions, viewed as a rear foothold for long-term stabilization in Syria. In this situation, Moscow’s mediation of the territorial controversies between Lebanon and Syria is only logical.
“Russia may act as a mediator in the debate over maritime borders between Lebanon and Syria if it is necessary,” said special presidential envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentyev during his latest visit to Lebanon.
Lavrentyev stressed that Russia is always willing to lend Lebanon “any possible assistance” that would also serve interests of Syria.
Source: Al-Monitor.