Palestinian Ambassador To Moscow Calls On Russia And USA To Join Efforts In Settling Mideastern Crisis

Palestinian Ambassador to Moscow Khairi al-Oridi has called on Russia and the USA to join efforts in mediating a Mideastern settlement. In an exclusive interview with RIA Novosti on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people, the Palestinian diplomat said: "We respect the measures being taken by Russia as a co-sponsor to stop the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and Russia's stand on this issue." Russia, the Palestinian ambassador stressed, is doing its best for a peace settlement. Russia and Palestine are maintaining friendly relations and, al-Oridi said he was sure, will continue doing so in the future. Meanwhile, the Palestinian diplomat stated, one country cannot solve the Middle East problem alone, that's why joint efforts of the international community under the UN aegis will make it possible to stop the confrontation and start peace negotiations. The ambassador said that in keeping with the existing agreements and resolutions of the UN Security Council it was now necessary to work out an effective mechanism of their implementation. "The Mitchell plan," Khairi al-Oridi said, "could give the necessary impetus to solving the problem and resuming peace negotiations." The ambassador added that the leadership of the Palestinian National Authority approved of this programme with the exception of certain articles, which formulate accusations against Palestine.