Moscow welcomes results of George Bush's negotiations with Israeli and Palestinian premiers

Moscow welcomes the results of US President George Bush's negotiations with Israeli and Palestinian Premiers Ariel Sharon and Mahmud Abbas with participation of King of Jordan Abdallah, official spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexander Yakovensko stated.

"The meeting can give an impetus for realisation of the "road map" developed by the "quartet" of international mediators /Russia, the USA, the EU and the UN/ and resumption of the peaceful process in the Middle East," the Foreign Ministry spokesman pointed out.

"The first steps are the most difficult," Alexander Yakovenko stressed. According to him, it makes the statements of Abbas and Sharon even more precious. Their statements touch upon practical measures they are ready to take for launching and gradual fulfilment of the "road map" including suppression of terrorism and instigation, liquidation of illegal settlements, improvement of the humanitarian situation in Palestine.

Moscow hopes "both parties will do their best to establish firm and just peace in the Middle East, with Palestine and Israel living side by side in security," official spokesman Alexander Yakovenko stated.