Posted on 11/20/2015 8:57:36 AM PST by tcrlaf
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.
Conflicting reports about whether the Lebanese have said yes, or not.
Looks like it's about to get really warm tonight for Obama's "Moderates" around Damascus.
That’s not going to be a mere ‘exercise’.
Go get ‘em, Ivan!
It’s going to be “exercise”, not “an exercise”!
Twitter:
LEBANESE GOVERNMENT SAY OTHER COUNTRIES ASKED BY RUSSIA TO CLEAR AIRSPACE - CALLING IT NOW “MAJOR DRILLS” BY RUSSIA
Looks like the Russians intend to “Make it Rain” in Syria tonight.
Good!!!
Russia Operations to begin about 1700 EST, Midnight local.
Still unclear if the Lebanese have said yes or no
RootinTootinPutin
“Still unclear if the Lebanese have said yes or no”
There is only one correct answer
“What kind of diplomacy is this? A foreign military service giving orders to an independent country?”
I don’t think the Russians are in any mood for games.
The De Gaulle is also being reported in the area.
Russian MoD said they have doubled the number of planes in Latakia in the last two days.
Sounds like something BIG is going to kick off tonight.
The diplomacy of conquerors
Just to note:
The Requested time is no coincidence.
It will be one week a week, to the hour, since the massacre in Paris.
Powerful statement right there.
We are living in strange times indeed, when we are rootin for Putin =)
:-)
I m Rootin4Putin
RootinTootinPutin
Vladimir Putin
Vladimir No Pullout
Ahhh, the memories of the good old days of the cold war and Russian aggression.
I hope Lebanon has the wisdom to tell Putin to screw off.
TWITTER:
MEA says found new air routes and will begin using them tmrw in compliance with Russian request
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