Russia calls for starting full-format Palestinian-Israeli dialogue - deputy foreign minister

MOSCOW, February 25. /TASS/. Russia stands for the start of full-format dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis that should result in the creation of an independent Palestinian state, Russian presidential envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Thursday. "Unwinding the next spiral of violence in the conflict zone threatens to completely bury any prospects of the peace process," Bogdanov said at the conference "Middle East: From Violence to Security" at the Valdai discussion club. He noted that "the issue of importance of resuming Palestinian-Israeli negotiations is raised more and more rarely now." "Everyone is first of all concerned about the necessity of preventing violence. Despite the difficult situation, efforts should continue to be aimed at starting full-format negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis, and these talks should result in the creation of an independent Palestinian state," the diplomat noted. "It is necessary to support measures on overcoming the inter-Palestinian split with the prospects of forming a government of national accord and holding presidential and parliamentary elections," the deputy foreign minister said. "Another important issues of ensuring humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip," he added. Read more