Hariri to Meet Putin in Moscow Visit, Discuss Developments

Head of al-Mustaqbal Movement and former Prime Minister Saad Hariri will head to Moscow for a two-day official visit this week to tackle the crisis gripping Lebanon, at forefront the presidential vacuum.

Local newspapers reported on Monday that Hariri will meet during his visit to Russia President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other senior officials.

The Sunni leader will reportedly tackle with Putin the latest developments in the region and ways to safeguard Lebanon from their repercussions, in addition to the possible means of supporting the country's military capabilities.

The two officials will also underline Hariri's recent visits to Washington, Ankara, Doha and his meeting with French President Francois Hollande in Riyadh.

The ex-premier will urge Putin to support Lebanon in its battle against terrorism and to facilitate the election of a new head of state.

He will be accompanied by deputy Speaker Farid Makari, former MPs Ghattas Khoury and Bassem al-Sabeh and his adviser Nader Hariri.

Hariri's shuttle diplomacy aims at safeguarding Lebanon from the repercussions of the turmoil in the region.

Vacuum striking the presidential post since May last year is having a tough impact on the cabinet and the parliament as the state is threatened with further crises over ongoing rows between the rival parties.

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