BEIRUT, July 21 (RIA Novosti) - A Russian deputy foreign minister's visit to Lebanon slated for Friday will not take place, a diplomatic source in Beirut said.

Alexander Saltanov, currently on a Middle East tour, was expected to meet with Lebanon's prime minister, parliamentary speaker, and foreign minister to discuss an immediate ceasefire and ways to settle the conflict with Israel.

At least 300 people are thought to have died in Lebanon since Israel launched military action ten days ago after Islamic militant group Hizbollah captured two Israeli servicemen in a cross-border raid. Another 500,000 people have fled the fighting. Over 30 Israelis have also lost their lives.

The reasons of the last-minute decision to cancel the visit have not been reported.