Russia is considering “suitable ways” of participating in the removal of thousands of landmines planted by Israel during its 22-year occupation of the South and the Western Bekaa, Russian Ambassador to Beirut, Boris Polotin was quoted by the Daily Star newspaper as saying.
“There are different kinds of participation, and we’re considering the proper ways to do so,” he told reporters after meeting with Foreign Minister Mahmoud Hammoud for a review of bilateral relations.
Polotin said his country was following up the demining issue raised during a visit to Beirut on Wednesday by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Sultanov, according to the paper.
Some reports said Russia was willing to help Lebanon remove the mines either directly or in conjunction with a third country, the Daily Star said.
According to AFP, the number of accidents involving landmines and other booby traps in southern and eastern Lebanon has increased alarmingly since the Israeli withdrawal.
The United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon estimates that Israel left behind 130,000 mines in southern Lebanon, said the agency -- (several Sources)
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