Sergei Lavrov: Exclusive interview

In Wednesday's programme, Jeremy Paxman interviewed Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov.

Mr Lavrov told Newsnight he hopes elections will take place soon in Lebanon

In a wide ranging interview, he discussed Syria, Iran, Yukos and democracy in Russia.

On the future of Syrian troops in Lebanon, Mr Lavrov was asked if he endorses the American view that the Syrians should withdraw.

Mr Lavrov said: "I don't think this is an American view alone. It's the decision of the Security Council; it's a resolution which Russia, together with five other members of the Security Council, abstained on but it was adopted and, like any other resolution of the Security Council, it must be implemented."

Fragile balance

Asked specifically if he thought that Syria should withdraw from Lebanon, Mr Lavrov was cautious:

"That is what is required by this resolution and Syria should withdraw from Lebanon, but we all have to make sure that this withdrawal does not violate the very fragile balance which we still have in Lebanon, which is a very difficult country ethnically.

"Religiously, their power structure is very complicated and we... cannot disturb this balance. We have to do this cautiously and Syria's already announced their plans, which they agreed with the Lebanese Government.

"I hope that the elections in Lebanon take place very soon and that the new government will be a stabilising factor and that the process of implementing this resolution including the withdrawal of Syrian forces would be under way."