Russia has called on Israel to agree to permit Moscow to mediate between Jerusalem and Hamas in Gaza towards a ceasefire but Israel rejected the proposal.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Saltanov met in Jerusalem with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, seeking Israel’s approval to begin diplomatic efforts with Hamas towards a ceasefire. Livni rejected the offer, explaining Israel at present does not see the situation as conducive to such an arrangement.
Livni explained that prior to ordering the ongoing operation in Gaza, Israel tried every option, but ultimately, was left without options other than warfare. Now, Israel plans to finish the job, to achieve her objectives towards restoring quiet to southern Israel.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev spoke with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as well, calling for a ceasefire. The Russian leader expressed his concerns over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the loss of life.
Cabinet Secretary Oveid Yehezkel announced on Sunday that Israel will only entertain a halt in the fighting if all its demands are met. He did not detail all the demands.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday. He too will apply pressure to compel Israel to halt the military operation.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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4 Responses
Wow these Russians have a short memory! They can bombard Chechniya almost unnoticed, and more recently enter Georgia- a foreign entity- and now be worried about loss of life in… Gaza! They, if anyone, should understand Israel’s position. Or at least, have the sense to keep quiet!
the russians are concerened about loss of life! what happened in georgia. . . .
i have a suggestion for our friends the russians. why dont they allow us to help them negotitate about supplying the iranians with a nuclear reactor then maybe we will allow them to “help us” with our other issues. who do those scum think they are. they attack their neighbors and its noones business. but when their slimy friends are getting what they deserve then we get a dose of russian mediation.you have got to be kidding. to our russian friends i say “lech lazazael”
Let them worry about the “humanitarian situation and loss of life” in GEORGIA!!!!!!