UN Security Council Resolution 1701 came into force on Monday, ending a month of bloodshed,
President Vladimir Putin told the Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora in a telephone conversation: "Russia is working with both sides [of the conflict] to prevent any mistakes in the process, and to help find a long-term resolution of the conflict in the region."
Before the truce was reached, Israel's military operations claimed the lives of around 1,000 Lebanese civilians, forced about a quarter of the country's population to flee their homes, and crippled large parts of the country's infrastructure. About 100 Israelis, most of them soldiers, also lost their lives in the fighting.
During debates in the run-up to the ceasefire resolution, Russia, a veto-wielding permanent Security Council member, said the document had to satisfy Lebanon and meet its concerns because otherwise the conflict would only escalate further.
The Lebanese premier thanked Russia for its efforts, and said the Lebanese government would do its best to honor the document.
Siniora also expressed his gratitude for humanitarian aid that Russia is providing to his country via Cyprus.
Two Russian planes delivered aid to refugees from southern Lebanon on August 9 and 17. The cargo included 148 tents, about 4,800 half-woolen blankets, 1,500 sets of dishes, 1,000 mattresses and the same number of pillows.
Two more planes are expected on Cyprus on August 21 and 23.
