NNA - The Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday commemorated the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri on the 20th anniversary of his assassination.

In an issued statement, the Ministry said: "February 14 marks the 20th anniversary of the tragic death of the Lebanese statesman, prominent public figure and friend of Russia, Rafik Hariri, and a number of his comrades, as a result of a terrorist attack in downtown Beirut. Hariri played an important role in reaching the Taif Agreement, which ended the bloody and destructive civil war in Lebanon from 1975 to 1990."

The statement added, "As a true patriot, he devoted all his strength and energy to the cause of rebuilding his country in the post-war period. Prime Minister Hariri had sincere sympathy for Russia and made a significant contribution to strengthening Russian-Lebanese relations and developing multifaceted partnerships between our countries.”

“The passing of one of the most prominent Lebanese leaders in modern history was an irreplaceable loss for Lebanon and its friends around the world," the statement concluded.

=========R.Sh.