Saudi Arabia to Gift Russian Arms to Lebanon

Lebanon is reportedly in talks with Russia to buy weaponry and special equipment sponsored by Saudi Arabia, Lebanese Interior and Municipalities Minister Nouhad Machnouk told International Information Agency Rossiya Segodnya.

"There are talks on buying Russian arms and special equipment by Lebanon … there will be a lot of positions. The Lebanese military has a lot of experience of working with Russian weapons. So they [Lebanese military] will soon determine what is needed," Machnouk wasquoted as saying.

The minister also said the future deal will be sponsored by Saudi Arabia. "As for the Army, the Lebanese Army's chief of general staff will arrive in Moscow before the end of this month. He will be the one negotiating for which needs [Lebanon] can receive the gift of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," he stated.

According to Ria Novosti, Machnouk noted that Russia is committed to resolving the political crisis in Lebanon. "Russia promised that together with the allied and friendly states will help find a way out of the presidential power vacuum in Lebanon," minister said.

Controversy in the Lebanese parliament in the past few months has prevented the election of a new Lebanese president, the report said.