Russia calls on Palestinians and Israelis to resume talks

Russia calls on Palestinians and Israelis to immediately resume talks on political and security issues, Russian permanent representative to the UN Sergei Lavrov said at the plenary session of the UN General Assembly.

He stressed that the Middle East settlement can be reached only through the strict observance by the sides of the roadmap worked out by four international mediators - Russia, the USA, EU and UN - and approved by Security Council resolution No. 1515.

"The point at issue is, above all, the need for the Palestinian administration to take efficient measures for cutting short the actions of extremists and terrorists who kill peaceful citizens," Lavrov said. Israel should stop the non-proportionate use of force and the meting out of punishment without court. It should take steps to ease the economic burden of the Palestinian people.

"The construction of residential houses on the occupied territories and the building of a dividing wall there by Israel are a serious obstacle on the way to settlement, Lavrov also said.

Russia will continue actively contributing to the improvement of the Middle East situation, striving to achieve the final settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the coexistence of two states - Palestine and Israel which will live in peace, security and within internationally recognized borders, Lavrov concluded.