Russia criticises Israeli action against Arafat

The reprisals of the Israeli Defence Force against the compound of President Yasser Arafat in Ramallah have brought severe criticisms from Moscow, according to declarations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, a member of the quartet of co-signatories for peace in the Middle East.

“The tactic of isolating the Palestinian leadership and of closing the Palestinian cities is not the way to fight terrorist threats”, declared an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, co-signatory of the Middle East process with the United Nations Organisation, the European Union and the United States of America.

Moscow reminded the international community in the text that “such actions complicate the already dramatic humanitarian situation in the occupied territories”. Meanwhile in Washington, White House spokesperson Ari Fleischer stated that Israel “should not ignore the consequences of its actions”, while admitting that Tel Aviv has the right to defend itself.

The action by the IDF comes after two suicide attacks by Palestinian terrorists left 8 people dead and tens wounded in the last week.

Timothy BANCROFT-HINCHEY PRAVDA.Ru