Release of Israeli hostage will help West Asia stabilise: Russia

Moscow, July 7 (UNI) Russian Foreign Ministry today urged Palestinians to release Israeli hostage as soon as possible, to pave the way for stability in West Asia.

''The sooner the situation around the hostage is resolved, the easier it will be to establish stability and improve Palestinian-Israeli relations,'' the official spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Mikhail Kamynin said in a statement.

Israel has called on Russia to assist in operation to free the 19-year old Israeli soldier Gilada Shalita, who was abducted on Palestinian territories on June 25. Tel Aviv launched Operation Summer Rains on Wednesday, the first after Israeli residents left Gaza last September.

''I can say that in response to Israel's request we have already made proactive efforts to help release the hostage and will continue to do so,'' Mr Kamynin said.

He added Israel's military operation in Gaza only brought more suffering to civilians and caused damage to Palestinian infrastructure, and called on the conflicting sides to exercise restraint and prevent innocent people from being involved in the stand off.

''We favour the early and unconditional release of the Israeli soldier. It must be done not only for humanitarian considerations.

The hostage taking is having a negative effect on the Palestinians themselves,'' he noted.

UNI XC SB KP1904