Last update - 00:00 19/10/2006
Olmert: Russia must distinguish between moderates and radicals
By Yossi Melman, Haaretz Correspondent
MOSCOW - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Thursday said after meeting in Moscow Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, that Russia must adopt a Middle East policy that would distinguish between moderates and radicals.
Olmert emphasized that he does not expect Russia to sever its ties with the Arab world, but that he does expect it to make this distinction between radicalism and moderation.
Hinting at Moscow's dialogue with Hamas, Lavrov said Russia does not support radical forces in the Middle East, but believes it is important to communicate with radicals to influence them positively.
The Russian minister emphasized he believes that the head of Hamas' political bureau, Khaled Meshal, is radical.
The prime minister also attended a ceremony at a synagogue in the Moscow suburb of Marina Rosha. He called on the Jewish community to "pack up and come to Israel."
Russian-born Israeli businessman Lev Leviev said that education in Jewish communities outside of Israel is crucial for sustaining them and for maintaining their contacts with Israel. Olmert praised Leviev for his contributions to the Jewish community.
The parents and wife of kidnapped Israel Defense Forces soldier Ehud Goldwasser also attended the ceremony. The prime minister said that Israel is saving in efforts to return the abducted soldiers home.
"The battle will not end until we see our children back at home," he said.
Olmert will end his visit to Russia on Thursday evening and will return to Israel.