MOSCOW. Aug 25 (Interfax-AVN) - Russia welcomes the Israeli decision to release almost 200 Palestinian inmates, Foreign Ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko said on Monday.
"Moscow welcomes this decision by the Israeli government. This is another step, although a small one, towards the solution of numerous problems that complicate relations between Israel and the Palestinian National Authority and impede the Palestinian-Israeli settlement," he said.
The statement was posted on the ministry website.
Israel released 198 Palestinians in a goodwill step after the Israeli-Palestinian summit of August 6.
"However, it would be premature to declare a radical improvement. Both sides should take further steps and thus preserve and develop the fragile positive dynamics that has emerged recently," Nesterenko said.
The end of missile attacks on Israeli territory, the Gaza blockade, the construction of Israeli settlements and the use of force on the West Bank is the primary goal, he said.
More than 10,000 Palestinians, among them members of the lawfully elected parliament, are still in the Israeli custody, he said.
"We believe that new reciprocal steps would improve the atmosphere and build up confidence between Israel and Palestinians, as well as create the necessary prerequisites for the achievement of success in the final status negotiations," Nesterenko said.