Russia concerned over Israeli attacks on protesters in Gaza

(With MIL-MIDEAST-VIOLENCE) MOSCOW, March 30 (KUNA) -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met Friday with member of the politburo of the Palestinian Hamas movement Moussa Abo Marzouq to discuss the latest developments of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
During the meeting, Bogdanov, also Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa, expressed concern over the Israeli acts in a border area in Gaza Strip.
The two sides reviewed the prospects of peaceful settlement to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the ways to advance the inter-Palestinian reconciliation, according to a press release by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bogdanov highlighted the need of mending the rift in the Palestinian rank within the framework of the Palestine Liberation Organization as a prerequisite for attaining the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and statehood.
The restoration of Palestinian unity will also reflect positively on the economic, social and humanitarian aspects in Gaza Strip, he added.
The senior Russian diplomat urged the Israelis and the Palestinians to maintain self-restraint and avoid any actions that could jeopardize civilian life.
Earlier today, 15 Palestinian protesters were killed and over 1,412 others injured when the Israeli occupation forces opened fire at a peaceful demonstration marking the Land Day. (end0 rs.gb