Russia, Organization of Islamic Cooperation call for comprehensive solution to Palestinian problem - Lavrov

MOSCOW, February 26 /TASS/. Russia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation call for a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian problem, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday at the talks with the delegation of the organization’s ministerial contact group on Palestine and East Jerusalem. "We are unanimous in seeking a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian problem. We support the Palestinians’ legitimate aspirations aimed at creating an independent Palestinian state with the capital city in East Jerusalem", Lavrov said. Iyad Madani, the visiting Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, told Lavrov that Russia was playing an important role in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "Russia has a special role", Madani said "Russia is a major world power, a member of the Middle East Quartet and a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Moscow maintains close ties with Israel, and its diplomacy takes into account moral aspects, which is a very important factor in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict". According to Madanil, Russia can also play a significant role in providing humanitarian aid and technical assistance to East Jerusalem, establishing government institutions and developing medical care and education systems. Madani also pointed to the absence of progress at the Palestinian-Israeli talks, voicing dissatisfaction over Washington’s mediatory efforts in the dialogue, calling them ineffective. "We cannot carry on like this", he said, adding that it was imperative to reshape the course of negotiations and enhance the role of the Middle East Quartet as a mediator. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation the League of Arab States are prepared for close cooperation with the quartet, Madani added. Read more