Military

DATE=10/25/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-268406

TITLE=BARAK / RUSSIA (L)

BYLINE=LARRY JAMES

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak says he still hopes for peace with the Palestinians and he believes that an Israeli government of national unity would strive to achieve it. Larry James reports from Moscow that the Israeli leader made the remarks Wednesday in an interview with a Russian radio station.

TEXT: Ehud Barak says no matter what happens Israel remains hopeful that peace with the Palestinians will come. He said he believes that if any emergency government is formed in Israel it will always be ready to discuss a serious political agreement. He says the Palestinians are Israel's neighbors and always will be but he warns that Israel will not yield to violence or pressure.

Mr. Barak's remarks came in an interview with Moscow radio station Echo Moskvy following a late night telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said Russia still has influence in the region and could play a role in helping resolve the crisis. Russia, which along with the United States is a co-sponsor of the peace process, has not played a very active role in efforts to resolve the current crisis. It did not take part in the summit meeting at Sharm-el-Sheik, which was aimed at ending the current wave of violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The ceasefire agreed to at those talks have not put an in end to the unrest and Mr. Barak has announced he is calling a time out on peace talks while he tries to create a national emergency government.

Mr. Barak phoned Russian President Putin Tuesday evening and then, at Mr. Barak's request, Mr. Putin called Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and told him that both sides should show maximum restraint. Israeli envoys, including former Prime Ministers Benjamin Netanyahu and Shimon Peres, have been in Moscow this week urging Moscow to become more involved in the peace process. Barak envoy Roman Bronfman also held talks with Russian officials here this week. (Signed)

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