"The important thing is not to let the peace process stop when implementing measures envisaged by Sharon's plan, to make them part of the comprehensive settlement process on an internationally recognized legal basis," Yakovenko pointed out.
PM Sharon's planned pullout of the West Bank and Gaza Strip could play an important positive role in the revival of the peace process, said the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman. He emphasized that the withdrawal should fit into the Quartet-sponsored Roadmap for Peace in the Middle East, putting an end to Israel's occupation of Arab lands and bringing to fruition the idea of peaceful co-existence of the State of Israel and the Palestinian State.
"In this context, it is necessary that both the Palestinians and the Israelis resume their political dialogue, including at the level of the Prime Ministers of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, as well as cooperation in all areas, primarily in the area of security," Yakovenko said.
On June 6, the Israeli Cabinet of Ministers approved in principle Sharon's Disengagement Plan. The plan provides for Israel's pullout of Gaza and part of the West Bank next year.
