Moscow, 12 September 2003 (RFE/RL) -- Russia said today any move by Israel to expel Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat would be "a serious mistake with the most negative consequences." A statement from the Foreign Ministry said such a step would make a peaceful resolution of the Middle East conflict impossible and would lead to what it called a "worst-case scenario."
Russia, along with the United States, United Nations, and the European Union, are the co-sponsors of the road map aimed at establishing peace in the region.
The U.S. and the EU yesterday also denounced a possible Israeli move to expel Arafat.
The Israeli security cabinet yesterday approved "in principle" a decision to evict Arafat from the West Bank and send him into exile. It did not set a date for any action.
Thousands of Palestinians marched in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip overnight to demonstrate their support for the Palestinian leader.
Russia, along with the United States, United Nations, and the European Union, are the co-sponsors of the road map aimed at establishing peace in the region.
The U.S. and the EU yesterday also denounced a possible Israeli move to expel Arafat.
The Israeli security cabinet yesterday approved "in principle" a decision to evict Arafat from the West Bank and send him into exile. It did not set a date for any action.
Thousands of Palestinians marched in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip overnight to demonstrate their support for the Palestinian leader.