Moscow, SANA- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the foreign interference in the affairs the Middle East countries and the nonchalance about the future of their people have caused extremism and terrorism to spread.
He attributed the current state of affairs in a number of countries [in the region] to the blatant interference in its internal affairs. “This flagrant interference and the disregard for the fate of peoples have caused extremism and terrorism to metastasize.”
During his meeting with Patriarch John X Yazigi, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East who is on a visit to Russia, Lavrov reiterated that Russia is working on reaching a peaceful solution to the crises in Syria and Yemen and on stabilizing the situation in Iraq, adding that Moscow is very worried over the situation in Libya.
For his part, Patriarch Yazigi expressed appreciation for the Russian stances and efforts exerted to reach a peaceful settlement to problems in the Middle East region.
Following the meetings, Patriarch Yazigi granted Lavrov medal of Saints Paul & Peter, a prestigious religious medal, for his efforts to bring about peace and in appreciation for the Russian role in providing humanitarian and political aid to the countries of the region.
Mohammad Nassr/Manal Ismael