Lebanese Newspaper Notes Increase Of Russia's Role Worldwide

Russia's role in the international scene is increasing rapidly, especially after the September 11 events in the USA, writes Lebanese newspaper Al-Mustaqbal commenting on Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri's stay in Moscow. The comment says, in particular, the anti-terrorist coalition under the US auspices "would not have succeeded unless Moscow had joined it urgently." The US and its traditional allies in the West will need Russia all the more at the next stages of the operation, including those after the military phase is over, the Lebanese newspaper thinks. It is undoubtedly important at this stage, notes the newspaper, "that Moscow understands Arabs' demands." Arabs can use this fact to deblock ways for just solution of their major problem - the Palestinian one, especially in the light of the fact that Western politicians voiced "principal statements on the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state." The newspaper also says that this visit to Moscow by the Lebanese prime minister will allow to open "new space for bilateral cooperation", especially in the trade and economic sphere.