Lebanese President’s Moscow visit extended

Lebanese President Michel Sleiman’s diplomatic visit to Moscow has reportedly been extended by two days, to allow him to meet a number of senior Russian officials, according to presidential sources. During the delegation, Sleiman will receive the International Institute for the Unity of Orthodox Peoples award, in recognition of the President’s role in preserving Lebanese unity and stability, meanwhile conducting meetings with Russian officials including Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and President Vladmir Putin. President Sleiman has apologised for not attending an economic summit in the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh, due to clashes in his schedule. The Russian tour begins on Saturday.