MOSCOW, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday called for an immediate ceasefire and a political solution to the escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf region during a video conference with counterparts from Gulf Arab states, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Lavrov noted that the conflict, whose root cause is the unprovoked and senseless aggression of the United States and Israel against Iran, should be resolved through political and diplomatic means, with full consideration of the legitimate interests of all states in the region.
Russia noted the unacceptability of embroiling these countries into a war and attacking their civilian infrastructure, including energy and other vital facilities.
Moscow is determined to maintain close coordination with the Arab countries to facilitate a rapid ceasefire and prevent the spread of the conflict, Lavrov added.
The foreign minister also said clear-cut mechanisms must be put in place to maintain cooperation among all countries of the region and to ensure lasting stability in the Middle East. ■