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Events in MidEast, North Africa undermine struggle with terrorism – Russian FM

Any further loosening of the situation may play into the hands of overtly destructive elements that pursue purposes quite different from the aspirations of peoples

MOSCOW, September 7 (Itar-Tass) —— The events in the Middle East and North Africa are undermining the fight against international terrorism, and the extent of illegal migration to Europe is dangerous, too, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told Itar-Tass in an interview.

"Any further loosening of the situation (in the region) may play into the hands of overtly destructive elements that pursue purposes quite different from the aspirations of peoples,” the diplomat said. “It is possible that if the "Arab revolutions" do not take an evolutionary course, and if the effectiveness of central authorities in the countries in the region is seriously undermined, this will create serious problems for the fight against international terrorism, drug trafficking and transnational crime. The flow of illegal migration from North Africa to Europe is acquiring a dangerous scale. "

"We are convinced - however acute the pressing domestic problems might be, they can and should be solved peacefully, through a national dialogue, covering all political forces and the general public and aimed at achieving a social consensus on how to overcome the crisis,” said Bogdanov. “All sides must demonstrate a responsible approach to implementing urgent democratic reforms in the society."

"Of course, the best option to resolve the current conflicts in the region would be a settlement with non-violent methods that would stimulate overdue transformations,” he said. “In any case, the use of military force against civilians is unacceptable."