Russia says supports direct negotiations between Palestine and Israel

Russia Backs Direct Palestinian-Israeli Talks, Rejects 'Neo-Colonial' Alternatives

Russia has reaffirmed its support for direct negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the status of Palestinian lands, while sharply criticizing Western-backed proposals that it says undermine international law and regional stability. The statements were made by Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in comments published on the ministry's website on June 9.

Coverage Comparison

The comments were reported by TASS, Russia's state news agency, which carried two separate articles on Zakharova's remarks. The first focused on her call for direct talks, while the second highlighted her criticism of what she described as 'dubious plans' promoted by Western-funded think tanks. Both reports draw exclusively on official Russian government statements, with no independent verification or additional commentary from other sources.

Key Claims

According to TASS, Zakharova stated that Russia supports direct negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis, emphasizing that such talks should address the final status of Palestinian lands and the parameters of a two-state solution, acceptable to both parties. She said Russia's position is consistent and based on the trust regional countries place in Moscow's foreign policy.

Zakharova also advocated for a negotiated settlement of the Palestinian issue and other regional disputes, saying that 'historical justice' requires Palestinians to establish an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital, coexisting peacefully with Israel.

In a separate comment, Zakharova accused Western government-sponsored think tanks of promoting 'alternative schemes' for Palestine's future, including reviving ideas of associating Palestinian territories with neighboring Arab states. She described such proposals as 'neo-colonialist' and asserted that history has proven their failure, as they contradict UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the Madrid Principles.

She further claimed that attempts to settle the Middle East conflict while bypassing the positions of Arab states are 'doomed to failure,' particularly in light of what she called the 'acute crisis' caused by the recent US and Israeli attack on Iran. Instead, she called for coordinated international and regional efforts.

Russia also proposes convening an international conference on the Middle East, which Zakharova said was approved by the United Nations and aims to promote peace and security in the region.

Perspectives

Russian Official Position

The statements reflect Moscow's longstanding stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, advocating for direct talks and a two-state solution within the framework of international law. Russia presents itself as a neutral and trusted broker, while dismissing Western initiatives as neocolonial meddling.

Western and Regional Viewpoints (Not Included in This Report)

No Western or Israeli responses were included in the TASS reports. The characterization of Western think tanks and the reference to the US-Israeli attack on Iran are likely to draw criticism from those quarters. Regional Arab governments have historically supported the Arab Peace Initiative, but may not publicly endorse Russia's framing of the issue.

Historical Context

The Arab Peace Initiative, proposed by Saudi Arabia in 2002, offered Israel normalization with Arab states in exchange for a full withdrawal from occupied territories and a just solution for Palestinian refugees. The Madrid Principles, established in 1991, outline a framework for bilateral negotiations. Russia's proposal for an international conference echoes earlier diplomatic efforts, such as the 1991 Madrid Conference, which it co-sponsored.