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RF against using internal disagreements to change regimes – FM

Lavrov stressed, “In order to appease the current situation in the Middle East and North Africa we cannot forget about the ‘frozen problems’ such as the Palestinian one”

MOSCOW, November 28 (Itar-Tass) — Russia comes against using internal disagreements to change regimes in the Middle East and North Africa, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday.

Speaking at a reception on the occasion of the Islamic New Year, “It is necessary to jointly tackle global and regional challenges, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, on the basis of international law.”

“We appreciate the Arab people's aspirations for a better life. But it is necessary to achieve this goal by nonviolent means,” the minister stressed. “We come against using internal disagreements to change regimes,” he added.

At the same time, he noted, “The states should respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. Any outside interference is inadmissible.”

Lavrov stressed, “In order to appease the current situation in the Middle East and North Africa we cannot forget about the ‘frozen problems’ such as the Palestinian one.”

Commenting on relationship with the Muslim world, Lavrov said Russia maintained close contacts with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and intensified the dialogue with the League of Arab States (LAS) and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (CCASG).