Situation in the OPT – Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman statement – 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 the Exacerbation of the Situation in the Middle East 

1146-29-06-2006 

Question: Very alarming news has been coming in from the Middle East in the last few days. In response to the rocket attacks on Israeli towns by Palestinian radicals and abduction of an Israeli serviceman and settler, the forces of Israel have returned to Gaza where they are carrying out a large-scale military operation, including air raids. Simultaneously in the West Bank, judging by incoming reports, a number of Palestinian government and parliament members have been arrested. The picture is supplemented by the Israeli warplane overflights of Syria. Have you comment?

Answer: I will agree that it is an extremely disturbing situation. It requires immediate action to prevent a further dangerous destabilization of the entire region as well as restraint and wisdom by all the parties. The Palestinian leadership and all Palestinian organizations and movements should do everything possible to stop terrorist activities and shooting attacks on Israeli towns. But the first consideration now is to release the Israeli serviceman without delay. This, I will repeat it, meets the supreme national interests of the Palestinian people.

The right and duty of the government of Israel to defend the lives and security of its citizens are beyond doubt. But this should not be done at the cost of the lives of many and many Palestinian civilians, by massive military strikes with heavy consequences for the civilian population. And it is altogether unacceptable, the violation of the borders and airspace of other states, Syria in this case. We see but one way out of this dangerous situation – the cessation of the military standoff and confrontation, and a return to the political framework for settlement, to negotiations however difficult they may be. 

June 29, 2006