Israeli Foreign Minster discusses West Asian crisis in Moscow

Moscow, July 3 (UNI) Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni will today discuss the West Asia crisis following the kidnapping of an Israeli soldier by Palestinians last week, with her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov ''The aggravation of Israeli-Palestinian confrontation and lack of dynamism in the negotiating process constantly fuels tensions in the region and prevents the creation of conditions for a normal and safe development of its nations,'' the official spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry told Itar-Tass, while referring to the current crisis.

''The only way to get out of that deadlock and stabilize the situation is through joint efforts of all interested in the settlement parties and a return to the negotiating table,'' Mr Kamynin stressed.

He said the talks will also focus on ''an evolution of the situation in the Gulf as well as the Iranian nuclear programme and its regional aspects.'' Russian-Israeli talks here will be the first after the formation of a new Israeli government of Ehud Olmert.

Meanwhile, in an interview to the daily newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta published today, Ms Livni said ''Russia, as a Quartet (the United States, the European Union, the United Nations and Russia) member plays an important role in determining the future in the West Asia.'' ''I have heard clear statements from the leadership of the Russian Federation about the necessity to fight terrorism. We hope that the same position will be revealed now,'' she said.

Ms Livni pointed out that Israel agrees with a two-state solution of the crisis but if an agreement is not reached, it would appeal to the international community to support the so-called ''consolidation plan''.

On Iranian nuclear problem, she said it was ''not a problem of Israel alone, but of the entire world community.'' ''Apparently, Iran is a global threat. We hope the world community will continue pressure on Iran,'' Ms Livni said.

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