Russia censures Sheikh Yassin's murder

Russia supports the resolution of the UN Human Rights Commission, censuring the murder of Sheikh Yassin but suggests that this issue be considered in a broader context, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

The draft resolution adopted by the Human Rights Commission on Wednesday was initiated by Pakistan on behalf of the ICO (Islamic Conference Organisation). It condemns the violation of human rights in Palestinian territories and in particular the murder of Sheikh Yassin on March 22. The document was supported by 31 countries, 18 nations, mainly EU, abstained and two countries - the US and Australia - voted against it.

"Russia has supported this consistent decision," said Mr. Fedotov recalling that last year the commission had adopted a resolution condemning extra-judicial punishment on occupied Palestinian territories. "The current situation is a specific example of such solutions which only further complicates the Middle East settlement process," said the deputy minister.

"At the same time, it would be better if the resolution covered a broader spectrum of anti-terrorist issues," he said.

"Russia will promote its own draft resolution linking the human rights problem and terrorism," he continued. "Our draft resolution suggests that a code be worked out for co-ordinated international efforts in the fight against international terrorism within the legal framework of the Human Rights Commission and the UN," said Mr. Fedotov.

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