Moscow ready to resume Syrian - Israeli negotiations
Regional-Russia, Politics, 4/21/1999

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov sent a communique to Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid, in which he informed the latter that there is no choice left for ratifying peace in Middle East, unless the Palestinian independent state is established, confirming Russia's recognition of this state since the Palestinian National Council in Algeria announced it in 1988, adding that there is an embassy for Palestine in Moscow.

The Russian ambassador in Cairo, Vladimir Godaeiv, delivered this communique to Abdul Meguid yesterday.

Following the meeting, Godaeiv said the communique has included the developments in the situation in the Middle East during the approach of the date of May 4, when the interim stage is to end and the Palestinian state is to be established.

The Russian ambassador added that Ivanov confirmed in his communique that delaying declaration of the Palestinian state is a possibility being discussed currently by the Palestinians. He said Russia views it is better that this step can be taken within the framework of Madrid formula, adding that Russia is ready to implement any suggested ideas on the Syrian - Israeli track to resume negotiations, confirming that Russia exerts its utmost efforts to enhance the peace process in the Middle East.

Godaeiv also said in press statements yesterday, "We do not support the arbitrary procedures currently taken against Kosovo's inhabitants and we see it as necessary to stop such operations immediately."

He emphasized the importance of stopping the "brutal" military operations made by countries of NATO against Yugoslavia, clarifying that the size of human disaster became much wider after March 24, when the Western air shelling started against Yugoslavia.

He said, "Continuing the air raids led to the tragedy in which people of Kosovo currently live."

Regarding the Serbs' non-acceptance of conditions presented N.A.T.O for stopping these attacks, the ambassador said, "All parties must agree on these conditions -- Yugoslavia and the Western countries -- and all existing issues must be peacefully solved, not by air raids."

He added, "The Kosovoans' legitimate rights must be respected, and people of Kosovo must be granted the self-rule in one state which is Yugoslavia, and refugees must return home."

Previous Stories:
  Russian foreign minister arrives at Cairo on Friday   (4/20/1999)
  On Sharon's visit to Moscow   (4/13/1999)
  Moscow suggests a summit for Israeli - Palestinian agreement signatories   (4/7/1999)

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