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The main subject of the conversation, held on the initiative of the Palestinian side, was the deteriorating situation on the West Bank. Mr Arafat appealed to Russia to take steps to prevent further confrontation and help find a way out of the crisis.

President Putin declared his support for coordinated international efforts to bring the Palestinian and Israeli sides back to the negotiating table. The need was stressed to resume dialogue between the Arafat-led PNA and Israel as soon as possible.

The President also noted that the fight against terrorism and extremism was today the most pressing task before the world community and expressed hope that the Palestinian leadership would take further determined action in that direction.

Mr Arafat today sent an urgent message to Mr Putin over the situation created in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone.