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.
Lebanon Airspace Risks 3-Day Closure as Russia Asks that Flights Avoid Area over Mediterranean
Since Putin’s good buddies Hezbollah runs the show in Lebanon, no real stunning news here.
Michael Downey BBC
â@mgdowney
6 minutes ago
#Lebanon airspace won’t close, but MEA announcing will reroute & stay clear of area #Russia requested - other airlines likely to follow
4 hours to go...
This could get real ugly real fast!
They could tell Putin to “screw off.” But they have nothing to back it up with. Putin has something big planned for Syria. It will be most unpleasant.
Beqaa Valley? Russian Op? I know. Far-fetched...
The Turks are screaming so it can only be good in tactical terms. Whether or not Obumbles orders our guys to attack the Russians is another story...and if so, will they obey is another...
Twitter:
Russia has filed a notice with aviation authorities that it intends to practice sea to air rocket tests off the Lebanese coast from today
“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.
Do you see a question in there anywhere? There is no answer for the Lebanese to give. I cannot find any Russian statement that indicates they have asked but only that they have informed.
It intends to practice and has requested civilian traffic to reroute. It has not asked for permission to practice. Why is this confusing so many people? The Russians are doing as they wish but I have asked for others to remove themselves. I don’t see where the former is dependent on the latter.
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