Russia calls on Palestinians to free Israeli hostage

Moscow, June 29 (UNI) Expressing concern over the situation in West Asia , Russia today called on the Palestinians to immediately release the Israeli serviceman and end act of terrorism.

''The Palestinian leadership, all Palestinian organisations and movements should make every effort to stop terrorist activities and attacks on Israeli cities,'' the official spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Mikhail Kamynin told RIA Novosti news agency.

''Most importantly, the Israeli serviceman should be released at once,'' Mr Kamynin said, adding that Israel had the right to defend its citizens but not at the cost of lives of Palestinian civilians.

He also noted that Israel's violation of borders and air space of other countries, including Syria, was inadmissible.

Israeli air force planes overflew parts of Syria, yesterday, in response to the country's alleged support for Palestinian radical movements, including Hamas.

Mr Kamynin said the situation in the West Asia was ''extremely disturbing,'' which demanded urgent action to prevent further destabilisation.

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