|
|
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION |
Unofficial translation from Russian
Mikhail Kamynin, the Spokesman of Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Answers a Question from ITAR-TASS News Agency Regarding Statement of Head of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas
1409-19-08-2006
Question: According to media reports, Mahmoud Abbass on August 17 announced that Palestinian groups had reached agreement on a unilateral truce with Israel. How would you comment on this announcement?
Answer: Moscow has taken note of the statement the PNA Head made as he spoke at a graduation ceremony for recruits who will join the presidential guard in Gaza on August 17. As follows from Abbas's words, the Palestinian groups have agreed to a cessation of all anti-Israel actions in order to head off a further escalation of military operations against the Palestinians.
In our opinion, that inter-Palestinian deal could be of great importance for calming the situation, ending the Palestinian-Israeli military standoff, creating a favorable atmosphere for resuming political dialogue between the leadership of Israel and the PNA as well as for solving the acute economic and social problems in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in the foreseeable future already. We hope that Palestinian organizations and groups will make just this necessary choice in favor of a renunciation of violence and the settlement of the existing problems with Israel at the negotiation table.
August 19, 2006
Document Type: Press Release
Country: Russian Federation
Subject: Peace process, Situation in the OPT including Jerusalem
Publication Date: 19/08/2006