Mideast situation/Palestine question – Russian MFA commentary on PA decision to postpone Parliamanetary elections – Russian Foreign Ministry press release/Non-UN document

Unofficial translation from Russian 

Russian MFA Information and Press Department Commentary Regarding Decision by Palestinian National Authority to Postpone Parliamentary Elections 

On June 4 the Head of the Palestinian National Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, issued a decree postponing the election for the Palestinian Legislative Council, which was scheduled for July 17, citing the necessity to carry through electoral reform before the voting. A new date for balloting will be set later after the adoption of a number of legislative procedures being discussed by the Palestinians, including amending the current election law of 1995.

Moscow regards this decision with understanding. We presume that free and transparent parliamentary elections, held within the constitutional framework, will constitute an important step towards democratic reforms in the PNA, towards ensuring a normal life, stability and the rule of law in the Palestinian territories and exert a positive influence on Palestinian-Israeli settlement.

Russia will continue to assist the PNA with the formation of Palestinian statehood in the interests of creating an independent state coexisting with Israel in peace and security.

June 6, 2005