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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION |
Unofficial translation from Russian
Russian MFA Information and Press Department Commentary Regarding Gaza Clashes
872-19-05-2006
Since the end of April sporadic clashes between armed supporters of individual Palestinian groups and members of certain security structures have occasionally been occurring in the Gaza Strip. Efforts by PNA authorities are not yielding the desired result so far. Suffering from the armed confrontation is primarily Gaza's civilian population who are already experiencing the dire humanitarian, social and economic plight.
Moscow is concerned by such dangerous developments in the Palestinian territories. We believe the tension in inter-Palestinian relations runs counter to the interests of the Palestinian people. We urge all Palestinian political forces to renounce the dangerous logic of confrontation, show prudence and restraint and unite efforts to restore public order and reinforce internal security. This will help to implement the Palestinians' own task of arranging the effective work of PNA security structures and will bolster efforts by the international community to aid the Palestinian people and restore the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.
We are convinced that in the circumstances the way towards stability and consensus lies through a national Palestinian dialogue involving all political parties and movements in keeping with PNA Head Mahmoud Abbas's initiative. The vector of this dialogue must be pointed towards elaborating a political platform which would meet the requirements set by the Roadmap and the Quartet of international mediators and help resume the negotiation process with Israel.
May 19, 2006
Document Type: Press Release
Country: Russian Federation
Subject: Gaza Strip, Incidents
Publication Date: 19/05/2006