Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (R) meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Damascus September 7, 2006.
Photo: Reuters
| Other Photos |
 |
|
 |
Russia’s Foreign Minister Goes to Mid-East for 3 Days
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sets out on the three-day journey to the Middle East, visiting Syria, Israel and Palestine en route, RIA-Novosti reported.
Lavrov is due to arrive in Damascus late Wednesday to meet Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem there. Russia’s minister will head for Israel after Syria.
Settlement of Israel-Palestine conflict is the highlight of the tour, Lavrov said when interviewed by Rusia Al-Yaum Arab-language TV Channel on the eve of the visit. “We support efforts made by the international community to stop violence as soon as possible,” Lavrov specified.
“We want to continue contributing to the efforts for establishing peace. The name – the armistice or cessation of fire – doesn’t matter. The main thing is that the missiles stop flying and the bombs stop falling. Peaceful populace suffers first of all. For them, it’s absolutely of no importance who began first and who must stop first,” Lavrov pointed out.
Russia will continue contacts with Hamas aimed at reviving the unity of Palestine, the minister said.
Another concern of Lavrov in Damask will be inking the agreement on easing visa procedures for the Russians, first of all, for the holders of diplomatic, business and special passports.
www.kommersant.com
|
|
|
