Russia calls for ending Israeli settlement policy

MOSCOW, Oct 24 (KUNA) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin called on Friday on Israel to halt its settlement policy in occupied Palestinian territories, describing it as "wrong." Putin made his remarks in a speech for the Valdai Club in Sochi, telecated by Russian television, adding that Russian stance toward Israeli settlement policy is in cohesion with international stands, affirming on the need to stop such policy.
The Russian leader added the settlement represents an obstacle to the normalization of relations with the Palestinians, expressing hope that all parties would return to the negotiating process, to be back on track on its peaceful path.
Putin noted that the former Soviet Union and later Russia have recognized the Palestinian state a long time ago, and "we will not change this position." The Russian leader stressed that the conflict in the Middle East is a "major cause of tension not only in the region but in the whole world," adding that the "humiliation of Palestinian people and any other people is a source of danger and instability and must be removed with all means and ways acceptable to all parties." He noted at the same time that relations between Russia and Israel had achieved progress and a leap, during the past 10 years, adding that Moscow is very much keen with the regard to the fate of Russian roots there. (end) as.mb