Russian FM in Syria on Mideast TensionRussian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov held talks Monday in Damascus with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Foreign Minister Faruk Shareh on ways to defuse the current Arab-Israeli tension.Speaking to reporters before the meeting, Ivanov called for extreme caution from all parties concerned "to prevent any further escalation in the situation and to allow a resumption of the peace negotiations." Ivanov's visit was part of the Russian diplomatic efforts to reactivate its role as a peace mediator in the Middle East. The minister, who arrived here Sunday, was sent by Russian President Vladmir Putin after the Syrian-backed Hezbollah group abducted three Israeli soldiers Saturday and clashed with Israeli troops along the Israeli-Lebanese border. The Lebanese guerrilla group was demanding that Israel release the Lebanese prisoners held in Israel as well as Palestinian militiamen also held in Israeli jails. Israel said the Lebanese government and Syria, the main power broker in Lebanon, should be responsible for the safety of the three Israeli soldiers. Ivanov's visit came amid growing tension in the region after Israeli hard-line opposition leader Ariel Sharon's September 28-visit to a Jerusalem shrine holy to Muslims and Jews triggered 11 days of bloody clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces. About 90 Palestinians have been killed in the clashes and over 2,000 others injured. Ivanov, leading a 30-strong delegation, was scheduled to travel to Lebanon later Monday before going on to Israel. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |