Interfax - 09.04.2007

Nothing can justify missile attack on Israel - ministry

MOSCOW. Sept 4 (Interfax) - Moscow condemns missile attacks on Israel and calls on parties to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict not to give in to provocations, deputy spokesman of the Russian Foreign Ministry Boris Malakhov said.

"Moscow condemns and resents missile attacks on Israel. We are particularly concerned with the fact that the attacks were directed against civilians and civil facilities. Nothing can justify such actions," Malakhov said on Tuesday.

Russia is also concerned with reports that Israel could retaliate, the diplomat said.

"It has happened many times that such actions are excessive and inadequate," he said.

It was reported earlier that missile attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip resumed. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities said that their reaction will be harsh.

"We once again call on the parties to be moderate and wise and not to give in to provocations staged by those who would like to disrupt every possibility to settle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," Malakhov said.