Moscow Aims to Host «Meaningful» «Israeli»-Palestinian Talks

Local Editor

An "Israeli"-Palestinian summit in Moscow would be a "thoroughly prepared" event aimed at reviving the reconciliation process, rather than yet another meeting for the sole purpose of holding talks, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

Moscow is continuing consultations with both sides of the "Israeli"-Palestinian conflict, but does not "force" the events, because the revival of reconciliation talks is a "sensitive matter," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told TASS upon his return from the "Israeli" entity on Thursday.

"This issue is very sensitive for the both sides. That's why we're currently undergoing the process of preparations and coordination with both sides. So far it happens through diplomatic contacts," Gatilov said.
Previously, both sides had expressed support of Russia's position on the matter, as well as approval of Moscow's diplomatic actions to revive talks.

"They [Palestine and 'Israel'] approve our idea in principle. But still, we're not trying to force this event...it should be done at the right time. This meeting must be thoroughly prepared, so it won't turn out to be just a meeting for a meeting."

The "Israelis" "are very alarmed and do not want the ‘Israeli'-Palestine conflict internationalized," Gatilov told Russian media. Any possible "Security Council-level" actions must be cautious enough to "not undermine the possibility of a revival in bilateral talks," the Russian diplomat warned.

"There's an idea on a [UN] resolution on the settlements. There's an initiative and a League of Arab States' decision on this matter. In fact, not all Arab states unanimously support such a resolution; many understand the sensitivity of this matter. Personally, I think that a resolution won't be approved in a forced manner," Gatilov said.

Relations between the "Israelis" and the Palestinians remain extremely tense. Construction of illegal settlements on occupied Palestinian land is continuing, while the "Israel" Occupation Forces [IOF] regularly invade and bomb what they claim are terrorist targets in Gaza.

The so-called "Israeli"-Palestinian "peace talks" had been at a standstill for two years, following failed US efforts. Since then, both Russia and France had offered to host the talks.

Both sides of the conflict had expressed readiness to revive bilateral talks on reconciliation. There has been no concrete decision reached so far, however, with both parties blaming each other for failing to resume discussions.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team