Developments in Israeli-Palestinian relations – Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry press release/Non-UN document

Unofficial translation from Russian

PRESS RELEASE

Concerning the Developments in Palestinian-Israeli Relations

2091-26-11-2006

According to incoming reports, a cease-fire agreement has been reached at the level of the leadership of the State of Israel and the Palestinian National Authority. At 6 a.m. on November 26 Israel is to stop combat actions and withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip. Simultaneously the Palestinian side undertakes to prevent rocket firings at Israeli territory.

Moscow welcomes this agreement. We note with satisfaction that the sides generally adhere to it, even though the Qassam missile volley launched into Israel Sunday morning evokes concern and condemnation.

As is known, Russia has repeatedly said that a way out of the dramatic situation in Israeli-Palestinian relations can be found only if the sides put an end to bloodshed and discontinue the exchange of blows, of which innocent people are becoming victims day after day.

We call on the Israeli and Palestinian sides to undertake responsible efforts directed at preserving the still very fragile truce and not be led by extremist elements capable of hindering the restoration of an atmosphere of trust between the Israelis and Palestinians.

We presume that the agreed-upon cease-fire must be the first step towards a return to normalcy, and a prologue to the restoration of a Palestinian-Israeli negotiation process in the interests of a comprehensive political settlement and the establishment of a lasting peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Russia will continue to facilitate in every way the achievement of these objectives.

November 26, 2006