LEBANON – Russia asks Lebanon to shut its airspace for so it could conduct naval exercise

JERUSALEM POST

Russia has told Lebanese authorities it wants to conduct a three-day naval exercise which could affect civilian flights in Lebanese airspace, Lebanon’s National News Agency said on Friday.

Russia has said it wants the maneuvers to start at midnight local time and to last three days, the NNA said, citing a telegram from the Russian navy.

A Russian defense ministry official in Moscow declined any immediate comment. Russia has been carrying out air strikes against rebels opposed to its ally President Bashar Assad in Syria, Lebanon’s neighbor, for nearly two months.

“Specialized authorities at Rafik Hariri International Airport received information from the Russian navy notifying them that they will be carrying out training and maneuvers for three days, starting midnight tonight, which will have a direct effect on Lebanon’s airspace and will bring air traffic to and from Beirut’s airport to a complete halt,” the Lebanese government said in a statement.

“Lebanon will conduct negotiations with Cypriot authorities to provide a temporary air route. However, even if the Cypriots agree to that, most airlines will suspend their flights to and from Lebanon due to logistical factors.”

This prompted angry reactions from one Lebanon’s veteran political leaders, Druse parliamentarian Walid Jumblatt.

Article from the Lebanese News Agency: LINK