Упрощенная HTML-версия
Author : A. Saltanov
RF Deputy Foreign Minister, special representative of the Russian president on the Middle East
Let me start with the road map. It is a real legal
document approved by a UN Security Council
resolution and it underlies all practical steps
aimed at achieving a peace settlement in the Mid-
dle East. This primarily refers to the search for a
solution to a key issue i.e., the Palestinian issue,
which is the root cause of the Arab-Israeli con-
flict. However, the road map also provides, at
subsequent stages, for a way toward a compre-
hensive solution to this complex problem.
The road map is not a document specified by degrees, minutes and seconds. It is, rather,
an outline of the stages that should be given special attention in the course of the negoti-
ating process. The road map does not spell out concrete solutions. It is a document that
lays the groundwork for negotiations, because all issues should be addressed and this is a
generally accepted view in the framework of the negotiating process.
Unfortunately, it has to be said that very little of it has been fulfilled. I would even say,
very little with regard to the first stage outlined in the road map. This refers to an array of
measures designed to facilitate the negotiating process as such.
Although it was not a precondition for negotiations, the issue of settlements due to the
situation on the ground has become a serious impediment to the Palestinians and Israelis
entering into a direct dialogue, into direct negotiations. That is why the UN secretary gen-
eral, Russia and a number of our partners express deep concern in connection with the
decision by the Jerusalem city planning committee with regard to building new facilities in
the occupied part of that city.
The history of the Middle East shows that as soon as the negotiating process, the peace
process stops, other, disturbing factors come into play, which often lead to serious insta-
bility in the region.
We can say that the U.S. administration is already moving toward the goals it has declared.
The Agreement on the Withdrawal of United States Forces from Iraq and the Organization
of Their Activities during Their Temporary Presence in Iraq has been signed.
Электронное приложение к журналу «
Международная жизнь
»
International Affairs: Summary№1, 2015
Russia and the Middle East