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Israeli FM calls for Russia-Ukraine normalization

The former USSR territory is still undergoing complex processes, but practice has shown that common sense and a responsible approach always prevail, says Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman ITAR-TASS/Denis Vyshinsky

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman

© ITAR-TASS/Denis Vyshinsky

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TEL AVIV, April 22. /ITAR-TASS/. Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has called for the soonest normalization of relations between Russia and Ukraine. “Normalization of relations between the two fraternal nations, between the neighbors is our (Israel’s) priority,” Lieberman said, commenting on the results of his meeting in Jerusalem on Monday with Ukrainian presidential candidate Petro Poroshenko. The minister’s comments were made public by the press service of the Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel Our Home) party, headed by Lieberman.

“I would like to promote the soonest normalization of relations between Ukraine and Russia,” the Israeli foreign minister continued. “Both states are very friendly towards Israel, and I wish both nations to return to cooperation as soon as possible, to normal brotherly relations,” he added.

“The former USSR territory is still undergoing complex processes, but practice has shown that common sense and a responsible approach always prevail,” the Israeli foreign minister said. “We have seen as Russia and Georgia quarrelled, however, several years have passed and the relations have improved.” “I hope that Russia and Ukraine will also normalize relations soon,” said Lieberman, stressing that it is “in the interests of the whole world.”

Touching upon the Ukrainian presidential election, Lieberman expressed the hope that “it will be held in a calm and civilized atmosphere.” The minister, however, declined to comment on the details of his conversation with Poroshenko. “Our conversation was held tete-a-tete, so I don’t want to go into details,” the minister said.

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Ukraine crisis Foreign policy Israel

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