Official website of the President of Russia

News   /

The message expressed Mr Putin’s deep concern over the current situation in the Middle East.

It reads, in part:

“Russia has repeatedly voiced its response to such Israeli actions as blockade and bombings of Palestinian territories, introducing troops in Palestinian cities, and extrajudicial executions. I am convinced that a continued use of such means will not solve the problems that have accumulated in Palestinian-Israeli relations. The need to end the current crisis and all forms of violence, from whatever source, and restore political dialogue is today greater than ever.”

The President believes that in spite of the dramatic current situation, it is still possible to put it back onto a political track. The recipe for overcoming the crisis is well known. It requires urgent measures from both sides to end violence, restore interaction in the security field and build bridges of confidence.

The head of state stressed that Russia would vigorously contribute to the achievement of these goals.

“Our strategic goal remains the same: a comprehensive settlement on the basis of the Madrid Principles and Resolutions 242 and 338, which ensure the right of the Palestinians to an independent state and the right of Israel to exist within secure and internationally recognised borders.”