"We don't need to contend for the right to sell weapons to Syria-we have such a right, and we are not breaking any of our international pledges," he said in a BBC-televised interview.
AA weapons Russia is selling to Syria are of an extremely short range-five kilometers, at most. There is no chance for terrorists to use it. Defense from an air attack is the only way to use the installations, the minister emphasized.
"We are sure the regional military balance will not upset," he pointed out.
As for Syria's intention to withdraw its contingent from Lebanon, it fully complies with a related United Nations Security Council resolution. "The resolution makes it an express demand, and it must be met-but we must be sure it will not upset the Lebanese balance, which is very fragile. Lebanon is a problem-laden country to the extreme, what with its ethnic and religious arrangements, and the governing system. The situation requires the utmost caution not to upset the balance," stressed Mr. Lavrov.
Moscow hopes Lebanon will have an election quite soon, and the formation of its new government will promote stability, he added.
