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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION |
Unofficial translation from Russian
PRESS RELEASE
Concerning Completion of Withdrawal of Israeli Settlements and Military Infrastructure from Gaza Strip
On September 12 it was officially announced that the withdrawal of Israeli settlements and military infrastructure from the Gaza Strip had actually been completed. An important step has thus been taken towards ending the occupation of this part of the Palestinian territories that lasted more than 38 years. This became possible thanks to the courageous decision of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and the resolute actions of Head of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas to ensure a calm and organized Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
Moscow welcomes this event, viewing it as a unique chance making it possible to continue the search of a historical compromise between the Palestinians and Israelis, the ultimate aim of which is to be the creation of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state coexisting side by side with Israel in peace and security.
Russia as a Quartet member will energetically help to solve the issues still outstanding in Palestinian-Israeli relations and to advance the political dialogue between the parties on the basis of the Road Map for a peaceful settlement in the Middle East.
September 13, 2005
Document Type: Press Release
Country: Israel, Russian Federation
Subject: Gaza Strip, Palestine question, Peace process, Settlements, Statehood-related
Publication Date: 13/09/2005