Tuesday, November 8 2005 14:43 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: Asking Palestinians and Israelis to put an end to the cycle of violence in the Middle East, India has condemned all acts of terrorism by the Palestinian groups as also 'improper and harsh' retaliatory measures by Israel.

"We believe that it is essential to put an end to this cycle of violence that does not augur well for forward movement of the peace process", its delegate Sitaram Yechury, MP, said, calling for creation of a 'truly independent and viable' Palestinian state living side by side and at peace with Israel.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly's committee yesterday, the Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI-M) leader warned that despite the glimmer of hope for cooperation between the two following Israeli withdrawal from Gaza Strip and parts of West Bank, the situation remains fragile.

Describing the withdrawal as the 'first significant step', he expressed hope that it would culminate in a 'mutually acceptable, negotiated settlement'.

"We hope that all parties concerned will exercise the utmost restraint, abjure violence, and return to the negotiating table to enable progress to be made for a peaceful resolution of the remaining issues of the Roadmap" drawn up by the international Quartet comprising the United States, Russia, European Union and the United Nations.

Criticizing Israel for encroaching on parts of Palestinian areas while building the security wall, Yechury said no one could have objection to its construction if it was on the Israeli side of the border.