Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister, Gebran Bassil, welcomed on Thursday US Ambassador to Lebanon, Elizabeth Richard. Talks between the pair featured high on the most recent developments at the local and regional scenes.

For her part, Richard briefed Bassil on the U.S. stance vis-a-vis the forthcoming phase in the Middle East region and Iran.

Separately, Bassil had an audience with Russian Ambassador to Lebanon, Alexander Zasypkin.

"We discussed developments in the region, especially normalization efforts in Syria in light of the successful fight against terrorism," the Russian diplomat said on emerging.

"We need to develop and activate the Syrian national dialogue with the participation of all groups and components of the society, and we are working towards this end with the Syrian authorities and the United Nations," he said, stressing that everyone can contribute positively.

Moreover, Zasypkin pointed to unified positions on the part of the international community on the need to have Syrian refugees return to their homeland.

"What is mostly important is to arrange their return. In the meantime we are working on normalizing relations with Syria," he said

"We agree with the Lebanese state concerning the large burdens incurred, which is a case that could explode soon," Zasypkin warned, confirming that this issue is very urgent.

In addition, Minister Bassil met today with President of the General Labor Union, Bishara Asmar.

He also welcomed Christophe Martin, head of the ICRC delegation in Lebanon.

"I had an opportunity to meet with the foreign minister today and the debate was exciting. I have the honor to represent the ICRC and explain its activities," Martin said in the wake of the meeting.

"We exchanged views on the problems in Lebanon and how the International Red Cross can be a key partner in supporting both host communities and Syrian refugees through different types of projects and approaches," Martin added

Source: NNA