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The message read in part:

“Each meeting of the Arab leaders is a major and a noticeable event in international politics. The current summit is taking place at a time when the situation in the Middle East is aggravated by many complicated problems and dramatic events. We expect that your decisions will exert a serious and positive impact on the situation in the region.

“This applies first of all to the prospects for a comprehensive settlement of the Middle East conflict. Russia notes with concern that the provisions of the ‘road map’, which have the approval of both conflicting parties and enjoy an international and legal status, have not been implemented in practice for a considerable time now. Therefore concerted efforts are needed to improve the situation and ensure the fulfilment of the ‘road map’ as the only possible programme for settlement. No unilateral steps should predetermine the final settlement, which can only be achieved through direct negotiations and mutually acceptable agreements between the sides on a solid international and legal basis, above all UN Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, 1397 and 1515.

“We believe that the ‘road map’ provides a real possibility for the establishment of a lasting and just peace in the region, when the occupation of Arab lands would cease and Palestine and Israel would co-exist as independent states within secure and internationally recognised borders, free of the constant fear of terrorism or any other form of violence. We want to see an end to the prolonged period of stagnation on the Syrian and Lebanese avenues of the peace process. A comprehensive settlement in the Middle East cannot be achieved without the return of the Golan Heights to Syria and the resolution of disputes between Israel and Lebanon.

“Russia continues its active interaction with the partners in the Quartet of international mediators – with the UN, the US and the European Union – to promote the ‘road map’. I express hope that the decisions of your summit will contribute to the implementation of this plan, which incorporates the key elements of the Arab peace initiative approved in Beirut in 2002.

“The unsettled situation in Iraq is a destabilising factor in the region. Russia, like the Arab countries, sees the future Iraq as a sovereign, democratic and prosperous state living at peace with its neighbours, and comes out firmly for the preservation of the country’s territorial integrity, and respect for the rights and freedoms of all the ethnic and religious communities living there. We believe that the political process in Iraq, which is only in its initial stage after the adoption of the provisional constitution, needs to have solid support among all segments of the population and the broadest possible support of the UN-led international community. The UN must become the Iraqis’ main partner in reviving their country after the period of occupation is complete.

“Russia has a genuine interest in the stability and prosperity of the Arab states, the successful search by the countries and peoples of that vast region of ways to accelerate their development in the socio-economic, political and cultural fields. We are ready to support corresponding initiatives coming from the region, which take into account its specific features and interests and the need to address its accumulated problems.

“I would like to confirm the unflinching commitment of Russia to expanding constructive cooperation with the members of the Arab League to ensure peace, security and sustained development in the Middle East and North Africa, and to strengthen international stability as a whole.”