Jerusalem: A day after three Israeli nationals were killed in two separate attacks in East Jerusalem, India has condemned all forms of terror and expressed distress at these incidents.
President Pranab Mukherjee in the last leg of his historic visit to Jordan, Palestine and Israel said, " We (India) have always advocated a peaceful negotiations of all disputes. We are distressed at the recent violence. Indian condemns all forms of terrorism."
The condemnation of the recent spurt of violence in the region comes amidst rising tension in the region between Israel and Arab speaking population over the last two months which has claimed many lives from both sides.
Mukherjee made these comments as part of his opening remarks before his meeting with his Israeli counterpart Reiven Rivlin.
Later in the afternoon, he addressed the Israel Parliament Knesset where he expressed gratitude towards Israel for help rendered during the Kargil war. "My visit to Israel is taking place at a time when relations between our two Government and our people are on a very positive trajectory", the President said.
However, President Mukherjee did not refer to the Palestinian issue during his half an hour address to the Israeli lawmakers.
The only oblique reference to this long festering dispute was made in the context of the United Nations role as peacemaker when President underscored India's believe that "there is no better option to resolve issues through negotiations and peaceful dialogue".
President Mukherjee's six day visit to west Asia ends on Thursday. He is the first Indian head of the state to visit Jorden, Palestine and Israel. His public staements in the over the last two days are being seen as an attempt by India to de-hyphenate its relations in the region between Israel and Palestine.
This visit is also being seen as a precursor to PM Modi's visit to Israel expected anytime next year.
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