The latest outbreak of violence in the Palestinian territories has taken the situation in the Middle East to a dangerous level. Further escalation of the conflict will lead to new and even more numerous victims, deal a severe blow to the peace process and have potentially very serious consequences for the region and the wider world. It is my conviction that this situation is not in the interests of either the Israelis or the Palestinians, who should live in peace.
At this important moment I appeal to President Yasser Arafat and to Prime Minister Ehud Barak to take decisive measures to end the violence, do everything possible to normalise the situation and renew direct dialogue in order to find a way out of this crisis.
As a co-sponsor of the Middle East peace process, Russia is ready to do everything within its power to help restore normal life and resume the negotiating process.