MOSCOW, August 16 (RIA Novosti) - A senior member of Russia's upper chamber of parliament said Tuesday that Israel's withdrawal from Gaza was a major step toward the peaceful coexistence of Israelis and Palestinians. "This should not be seen as the success of terrorist organizations like Hezbollah, even though they are claiming this," said Mikhail Margelov, the chairman of the Federation Council's international affairs committee. "In my opinion, the withdrawal is the result of the Israeli and Palestinian leaders' political will."
Margelov said the most important thing now was to formulate a correct approach to handing over land to the Palestinians. The move toward peace should not be seen as a concession, despite the claims made by influential Palestinian organizations to the contrary, he added. "This can lead the peace process into a blind alley again," Margelov said.
Margelov said the confrontation over resettlement from Gaza in Israel was predictable. "If Israel decides to pull out from other disputed lands as well, tensions will obviously escalate," Margelov said. The Israeli people have to choose between "an eternal war for survival" or pursuing the roadmap settlement plan, Margelov said.
