India seeks to end ''cycle of violence'' in West Asia

Dubai, Jul 30 (UNI) Concerned over the situation in West Asia, India today sought an end to ''the cycle of violence'' in the region and said that the Palestine issue, which was political in nature, cannot be resolved by force.

''We continue to urge for an end to the cycle of violence, the ongoing blockade of Gaza, the expansion of settlements and the construction of the separation wall,'' External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said at the ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Committee on Palestine in Teheran.

He said India believed that the Palestine issue was political in nature and could not be resolved by force.

Underlining New Delhi's commitment to the Palestine issue, the Minister said, ''In keeping with India's support to the Middle East (West Asia) peace process in all its tracks, we have consistently supported the Palestinian people in realising their legitimate aspirations for a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine, existing side by side in peace with the state of Israel.'' He also said India remained convinced that a just and comprehensive solution could be achieved, based on the principle of ''land for peace'' and in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions, according to the official Iranian news agency IRNA.

''The Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet Roadmap offer ways forward,'' he added.

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