Sanctions on Israel for the recent bloody seizure of the Freedom Flotilla would solve little, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
Israeli commandos stormed on May 31 the six-ship fleet in international waters off the coast of the Hamas-run Gaza Strip as it carried some 10,000 tons of aid and up to 700 human rights activists to the Palestinian enclave. Nine activists were killed and dozens were injured.
"On the whole, I believe sanctions solve very little. We should strive to find acceptable solutions for all parties in every situation, and in this case that also means Israel. We should seek ways to solve problems without pressurizing anyone with sanctions," Putin told Agence France Presse news agency and a France 2 Television ahead of his visit to France on Thursday and Friday.
Russia, like many other states, has condemned Israel's seizure of the Freedom Flotilla.
"What is especially tragic about this situation is that it was carried out in neutral waters. This is a new situation that demands thorough investigation. Everything possible should be done to prevent similar incidents in the future," the premier said.
Putin said Russia was in favor of lifting the blockade on Gaza.
"We have always been in favor of lifting the blockade. I don't believe this approach can solve the problems in the region."
He said Russia had always maintained that all residents of the Middle East have the right to secure development.
"But the ways to solve these problems, as well as ways to achieve this aim are issues that need separate discussion, especially in the context of the recent tragic events."
MOSCOW, June 9 (RIA Novosti)
