Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced his objection Sunday to prospects of removing Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat from the political scene.
“Even such a wish, not to mention the actual removal, will result in radicalization of certain forces in the Arab world and their mounting influence," Putin said Sunday in the course of a meeting with Russian and German journalists.
Yasser Arafat "is an internationally recognized leader, who enjoys respect and influence in the Arab world, first and foremost Palestine," the Russian leader said, according to KUNA.
There is a need for a partner for negotiations on the Middle-East settlement, he said, "if there is no other partner for negotiations, there is only one way to act - force,” he added. “The process of negotiations must be reconstructed.”
Russia, the United States and the European Union should act in a more determined and active way for the resumption of the negotiations, Putin made clear. (Albawaba.com)
