Russia concerned over Middle East

Russia backs the US on the Middle East peace process

By Caroline Wyatt in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his concern at the situation in the Middle East, describing it as almost out of control.

Unfortunately the situation in the Middle East has almost got out of control

President Putin

The president's comments came during a one-day visit to Moscow by the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Before their meeting, Mr Putin also talked to the Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, by telephone.

Russia has made clear that it is backing Washington's position on the Middle East peace process.

'Tragedy'

He told the Palestinian leader that Russia felt for the tragedy of the Palestinian people and all the peoples in the region.

Mr Arafat appealed for urgent action to stop the violence, saying that any delay could result in what he called an explosion in the region.

The Palestinian leader may have been hoping for Moscow to boost its part in the Middle East peace process, but after his meetings here it was obvious that Russia sees its role as complementing other international efforts.

Earlier the Russian Foreign Minister, Igor Ivanov, said Russia was ready to act in concert with the United States to help normalise the situation in the Middle East.

Mr Ivanov called on the Israeli Government to end the construction of settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

That echoes the recommendations of the international commission led by the US senator, George Mitchell.

The Kremlin says Moscow will continue to make energetic efforts to help end the current crisis, including sending its own special envoy to the Middle East next week.