More praise for Russia's promise of 'free' MiGs
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BEIRUT: Local parties reacted Wednesday to Russia's decision  to provide Lebanon with 10 MiG-29 fighter-bombers as the head of Moscow's defense cooperation body confirmed the planes would be free of charge. "Russia's Defense Ministry has decided to deliver to Lebanon, as part of defense cooperation, 10 MiG-29s from our existing contingent," the Interfax news agency quoted Mikhail Dmitriyev as saying. The planes will be modernized before delivery and the transport of the jets would be paid for by the Russian Defense Ministry, he added following a visit to Moscow by Lebanese Defense Minister Elias Murr.  "Military-technical assistance - this means assistance in budgetary funds," he said.  Dmitriyev said the warplanes would be covered by a limited warranty period and the parties would later have talks on a long-term maintenance agreement.  Parliamentary majority leader Saad Hariri of the anti-Syrian March 14 Forces alliance welcomed the move as support for Lebanon's "legitimate institutions."  "Russia gives a good example of how to deal with Lebanon's cause, and we wish that all those calling for Lebanon's independence and sovereignty would do the same," he said.  Dmitriyev said Russia could also supply ground equipment for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). "