Russia, Israel discuss Mideast settlement

MOSCOW, June 2 (Itar-Tass) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
called for further collective international efforts, including by the
Quartet, in order to reach compromises and restore of trust between
Israelis and Palestinians.
During a meeting with Israel's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Strategic Affairs Moshe Ya'alon on Wednesday, June 1, Lavrov "confirmed
the position of principle in favour of further collective international
efforts, including by the Quartet, in order to reach compromises and
restore of trust between Israelis and Palestinians for the sake of the
political resolution of the Palestinian issue on a clear international
legal basis, including the principle of two states".
"This would be particularly important for facilitating stabilisation
in the Middle East and North Africa, ensuring sustainable democratic
development and equal security for all countries in the region," the
Foreign Ministry said. "Sergei Lavrov noted great significance of the
current inter-Palestinian reconciliation for furthering the peace process,
and stressed the need for further strengthening of Palestinian unity on
the basis of the PLO platform and the Arab peace initiative, and spoke of
the steps Russia is taking to this end."
Ya'alon stated Israel's approach and assessed prospects for the
resumption of Palestinian-Israeli talks, and the role of the Iranian
factor in the region.