Moscow, Sept 10: Expressing concern over the growing confrontation between Palestinians and Israelis in the wake of the two suicide attacks against Israeli targets, Russia has urged the two sides to display restraint. "Moscow is seriously concerned about the growing confrontation between Palestinians and Israelis. The situation in the region is becoming more tense," Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko said in a statement.

He urged Palestinian and Israeli citizens to take all the necessary steps to prevent the situation from getting out of control. Fifteen people were killed in the two latest terrorist attacks in Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem, forcing Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to cut short his India visit.

"The terrorist actions are undermining efforts for restoring peace in the region and create new stumbling blocks on the path to political settlement," Yakovenko said urging the prompt resumption of political dialogue in accordance with the road map. "Extremist actions are not only bringing death to innocent Israeli citizens, but are also hindering the national interests of the Palestinian people and obstructing the establishment of the Palestinian statehood," Yakovenko said condoling deaths of the terror act victims.

Bureau Report