Egypt Daily News – During a press conference in Riyadh, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that the longstanding issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is rooted in an unresolved situation that has persisted for 80 years, alongside the need for an independent Palestinian state.
His remarks were part of discussions within the strategic dialogue meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Russia at the foreign ministers’ level.
Lavrov outlined several pivotal points during the conference:
- Eurasian Sovereignty: He expressed a vision for the Eurasian continent to assert its own destiny, promoting collaboration through organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, which has recently expanded its membership.
- Geopolitical Dynamics: Lavrov asserted that Western initiatives, particularly those from the U.S., have often not accounted for human rights, especially in contexts like Ukraine, where he reiterated that the focus should be on citizen rights rather than territorial exchanges.
- Middle East Strategy: He criticized U.S. efforts to dominate the Middle East, indicating these had led to failures acknowledged by Arab partners. He mentioned a three-part plan by President Biden that Israel is currently ignoring, noting that external mediators face unreasonable demands from Israeli authorities.
- Palestinian Unity Efforts: Lavrov highlighted Russia’s attempts to facilitate Palestinian unity, mentioning an invitation for dialogue extended to all Palestinian factions. He reported that a joint statement for unity among groups including Fatah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad has been made, but implementation remains a challenge.
- Regional Stability Concerns: He warned of risks that the Palestinian crisis could spark broader regional conflicts, urging for concerted efforts to prevent this escalation.
- BRICS Developments: Lavrov also discussed the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, indicating strong progress and preparation for significant discussions involving leadership from various member countries, including an invitation extended to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Overall, Lavrov’s comments reflect Russia’s intent to play a crucial role in mediating regional conflicts and promoting broader multilateral engagements while pushing back against perceived Western dominance.
