Russia urges Israeli-Palestinian dialogue

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Monday dialogue with the Israelis is the only way for the Palestinians to achieve its statehood bid. Addressing a press conference, he stressed negotiations as the only option to ensure the creation of a full-fledged Palestinian state that will live in peace and security with Israel and other countries in the region. "I am pleased to say that the Palestinians have stated unequivocally that their application to the United Nations (for statehood) is not an alternative to a negotiated settlement with Israel," he said. Lavrov added that Russia sees no problem in recognizing Palestine as a independent state, promising one more vote for Palestinian statehood at the next UN General Assembly.