Inter-Palestinian clashes – Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry press release/Non-UN document

Unofficial translation from Russian 

Mikhail Kamynin, the Spokesman of Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Answers a Question from RIA Novosti

Regarding Inter-Palestinian Clashes 

1046-13-06-2006 

Question: Reports are coming in of clashes between Fatah and Hamas supporters in the PNA territories. According to the latest information, on June 12 in Gaza and Ramallah Fatah activists attacked the Palestinian Legislative Council and the office of the Prime Minister. How do you think these events can reflect on the inter-Palestinian dialogue that is now under way? Will this not lead to the unleashing of an inter-Palestinian conflict?

Answer: Moscow is concerned by the mounting instability in the Palestinian territories and by the ever more frequent switch to strong armed methods of "sorting out the relations." This, we believe, is fraught with serious consequences, including those for the realization of the national aspirations of the Palestinians themselves.

It is our belief that the way to a national consensus on key problems, such as the elaboration of a platform of relations with Israel, the reformation of PNA structures and the distribution of authorities between the branches of power, must lie through the dialogue initiated by PNA Head Mahmoud Abbas. Consideration for the opinions of all the concerned parties and for the will of the Palestinian people is necessary.

In this connection we believe that all political forces should return to the legal field, end the internecine war, and rally around the central idea of creating an independent Palestinian state in line with the existing decisions of the international community on that score. 

June 13, 2006