MOSCOW, Jan 29 (KUNA) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov voiced profound concern on Sunday over the spiraling violence in Jerusalem and other parts of the occupied Palestinian territories.
In two separate phone calls with his Palestinian and Israeli counterparts, Riyad Al-Maliki and Eli Cohen, respectively, Lavrov warned against a possible full-scale confrontation and fall of more victims due to the ongoing tensions.
He urged both sides to show a sense of responsibility, deescalate the tension and refrain from any provocation that could worsen the situation, according to a statement from his Ministry. Lavrov exchanged views with Al-Maliki and Cohen on the latest developments of the situation in the Middle East and explored the prospects of a settlement to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
The Russian minister highlighted the need to resume the efforts of the Middle East Quartet (made up of the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and Russia) and restart the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks based on the internationally recognized points of reference. (end) Yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation issued a statement to regret the recent deterioration of the security situation and urge the Israelis and Palestinians to exercise restraint. (end) os.maa.gb