Russia cautions U.S. on military aid to Lebanon

BERLIN (Reuters) - Russia cautioned the United States on Wednesday against further destabilizing Lebanon with U.S. arms shipments and to closely follow international agreements in delivering such aid.

Last week the United States sent several plane loads of military aid to Lebanon, including ammunition and other equipment, to help the Lebanese Army fight Islamic militants in a Palestinian refugee camp in the north of the country.

"As far as the shipment of arms to the region is concerned, we have always assumed that it is necessary for international agreements to be adhered to," said Lavrov at a news conference in Berlin after meeting members of the quartet of Middle East mediators.

"We also know that it is necessary to prevent the shipment of arms that might serve to destabilize the situation. I also assume that other countries will keep to these same principles," he added.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, speaking at the same news conference, sought to assure Lavrov that the United States was following international rules and she said several U.N. resolutions urged the strengthening of Lebanon's army.

"The United States is not the only country that is helping to equip the Lebanese army, which needs to have the modern capability to defend its sovereignty and defend its state. That is the only purpose of this and not interfering in Lebanese affairs," said Rice.

The United States has provided about $45 million in military aid to Lebanon over the past year and last week the U.S. Congress approved an additional $280 in military assistance.

The U.S. military aid boost for Lebanon is part of the Bush administration's strategy to bolster moderate Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and his security forces.