Russia Expresses Concern over Saudi-Iran Escalation, Calls for Dialogue

Moscow is seriously concerned over the escalation of tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and is ready to mediate the efforts aimed at deescalation in the Middle East, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday.

"Moscow is seriously concerned about additional escalation of tensions in the Middle East involving key regional powers — Saudi Arabia and Iran — with both of which Russia has traditionally friendly relations," the ministry said in a statement.

According to the statement, Russia urges Tehran and Riyadh, as well as other Persian Gulf countries, to show restraint and avoid any steps that could aggravate the situation and lead to further escalation of sectarian tensions in the region.

Russia is ready to offer assistance to any efforts aimed at resolving the current crisis through negotiations, the ministry stressed.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Sudan have earlier severed diplomatic relations with Tehran, while UAE downgraded its diplomatic representation in Iran, over attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran carried out by Iranian protesters in the wake of the execution of Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
  (Sputnik)
  4/1/16 
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