Russia calls for ending Gaza blockade

June 21st, 2010 - 9:13 pm ICT by IANS  

Moscow, June 21 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia has called on Israel to lift its three-year blockade on Gaza and make steps towards easing the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave, the foreign ministry said Monday.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Sunday held a telephonic conversation with his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman to discuss the issue.

“(The Russian foreign minister) stressed the necessity for Israel to swiftly end its blockade on Gaza and make real steps towards easing the humanitarian situation,” the ministry said in a statement.

Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza when Hamas seized power in the strip in June 2007.

Tel Aviv has been under increasing international pressure to end the blockade after Israeli commandos stormed an international convoy carrying aid to Gaza last month.

Lavrov said joint efforts must be taken to promote the Middle East negotiation process that will “guarantee peace, stability and security for Israel and all countries and peoples of the Middle East.”

–IANS/RIA Novosti

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