Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Vladimir Lukin (Yabloko faction) accused the USA of being partially responsible for the escalation of the Middle East conflict, saying that the USA made the process of peaceful regulation of the situation there one factor of their domestic policy. Lukin added, in an

interview on October 9, 2000: The present administration of the United States decided to time a peaceful settlement of the conflict with their presidential elections and exerted somewhat excessive pressure here.

Speaking about the main reason for the escalation of the crisis inthe Middle East, Lukin noted that it was provoked by opponents of the peace treaty. Lukin stressed: There are a number of forces both in Israel and the Arab world, which survive politically and economically on confrontation alone.

According to Lukin, real signs had emerged recently that an agreement would be signed between Israel and Palestine. He added: “certainly, these forces have decided to ruin it”.

Lukin also said that in the present situation it is most important to keep calm and retain self-control.” He added: “Neither the USA, nor Russia or

Europe will be able to solve this problem on their own. It can only be resolved if we work together and by activising the Madrid process, and only by involving all interested parties.

He also stressed that “the minimum goal of the settlement is to prevent

clashes between the Israelis and the Palestinians,” and that subsequently “the progress that has been achieved should be developed and further maintained“. In particular, Lukin said that one such achievements was the fact that “the countries have begun serious discussions of the Jerusalem

problem –which is the key issue in the settlement”.

Based on Interfax reports.

Deputy Speaker of the State Duma, Vladimir Lukin, thinks that owing to another deterioration in the situation in the Middle East , the Security Council of the United Nations Organisation should immediately hold a session and pool the efforts of all the super powers to “impose” its will on the parties involved in the conflict to alleviate the situation.

In an interview on October 12, 2000, Lukin stressed that a single country, however powerful it may be, “even the United States”, cannot attain this

goal – this requires a joint effort, first of all from members of the UN Security Council.

Lukin also pointed out that as soon as there is a chance to make real progress in achieving a peaceful resolution of the Middle East conflict, “the most powerful forces that are not interested in this goal raise their activity”. According to Lukin, these forces virtually live at the expense of the Middle East conflict, “it has become their “modus operandi”

Lukin also noted that as soon as “more or less constructive negotiations

begin, provocations immediately occur”. He stressed that the actions of Ariel Sharon represented one such provocation, adding that they could only be assessed as “intentional atrocious tactlessness, which was virtually transformed into conscientious provocation targeted at destroying the peace process”. Certainly, added Lukin, it was difficult for the Israeli leadership to refrain form reacting at the openly provocative and tragic events. However, he stressed that Israel’s reaction was inadequate. “Why did they decide to bomb Yasser Arafat’s residence? The provocations were made against him: he was the person they were trying to discredit”, added Lukin.

He also expressed his dismay that international efforts to engineer political negotiations between Palestine and Israel virtually failed. Therefore the forces interested in a peaceful settlement should multiply

their activity and “virtually break up the fighting parties by their ears.”

Based on Interfax reports.