Russia concerned over situation in Palestine

Moscow, June 16 (UNI) Expressing concern over the current developments in Palestine, Russia has warned that the escalation of conflict posed a threat to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA).

''A further growth of the inter-Palestinian conflict and attempts to forcibly change the political situation in parts of the Palestinian territories are fraught with disintegration of the PNA, the isolation of the Gaza Strip from the West Bank,'' Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

''The current aggravation of the situation in Palestine may ultimately bring to naught the Palestinians' hopes of realising their legitimate national rights, including the creation of an independent Palestinian state,'' the statement added.

Stating that the events in Palestinian territories were a source of extreme concern in Moscow, the statement said, ''Events have been unfolding in the Palestinian territories in the last few days according the most negative force-based scenario.'' As a result of the fierce inter-Palestinian clashes, of which the Gaza Strip became the epicenter, Hamas armed units on June 14 established their actual control there, having ousted Fatah members and security units loyal to the Head of the PNA.

''The casualty toll of civil strife, including civilians, runs into dozens; hundreds of people are wounded,'' the statement said.

The Foreign Ministry also called on all political forces in Palestine to show ''restraint and prudence'' to stop the fratricidal conflict.

''At this critical moment for the Palestinians, we reaffirm our call on all political forces of the PNA to show restraint and prudence to halt the fratricidal conflict, in which there are no victors, nor can there be,'' it said, stressing ''The national interests of the Palestinian people ought to have an absolute priority over any other political considerations.'' The statement noted that a way out of the current dramatic situation should be sought through a political dialogue on the basis of the Mecca agreement and by restoring unity within the Palestinian ranks, however difficult it may be.

''The chief task of the international community and, first of all, the West Asia Quartet is to render vigorous assistance in overcoming inter-Palestinian feud within the existing constitutional procedures and with respect for the democratic choice made by the Palestinian people in 2005 and in 2006,'' it underscored.

UNI