Russia would back a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah group, and a deadline on Iran to reply to an international incentive package on its nuclear program, local press reported on Thursday.

Russia is calling for an immediate declaration of a ceasefire as a first step to solve the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with Kommersant newspaper.

Lavrov's remarks came as Israel continued its air strikes on Lebanon in retaliation for the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers by the Lebanon-based militia group Hezbollah on July 12.

The bombardment has forced thousands of foreigners to be evacuated from Lebanon.

Russia's support for a ceasefire echoed a similar stance by France, another permanent member of the UN Security Council. Paris is calling for a UN ceasefire resolution. However, Lavrov didn't say whether Russia would back the resolution.

The United States indicated opposition to proposals on a ceasefire, arguing that a ceasefire was useless since Hezbollah would not heed it.

In the interview, Lavrov said Russia would also back a UN resolution setting a deadline for Iran to press it to reply to the incentive package on its nuclear program.

Six countries -- Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States -- offered Iran last month the package of commercial and technical incentives in return for Iran's suspension of its uranium enrichment.

However, Iran has not responded to the offer so far.

Lavrov said a lot of time has elapsed in terms of when Iran would reply to the package as it had promised to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Lavrov said, without indicating whether Russia would back sanctions on Iran if it fails to comply.

The United States has accused Iran of developing nuclear weapons under the cover of a civil nuclear program.

Iran has repeatedly denied the charge, claiming its nuclear program is aimed at generating power to meet the surging domestic demand.

Source: Xinhua