Itongadol.- Anti-Semitism and anti-Russian rhetoric in Ukraine are cause for consternation, State Duma chairman Sergey Naryshkin said in the Knesset Wednesday.
At a joint press conference with Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein following a meeting between the two, Naryshkin answered reporters\’ questions about the situation in Ukraine, saying that Russia is very concerned about it.
"Unfortunately, the situation includes many expressions of anti-Semitism from radical groups," Naryshkin stated.
As for the Ukrainian government, the Duma chairman said "every government wants stability and must be based on law and order and unquestionable legitimacy."
"I believe in the Ukrainian people\’s choice. They are a very close nation, like brothers, and we plan to continue cooperating with it," he said. "There is no way to describe the death of thousands of people, other than a tragedy."
Edelstein told Naryshkin he is sure the two parliaments will strengthen ties for the good of both countries.
"We would like to further develop relations between our countries," Naryshkin responded. "I am convinced that we can find new ideas as to how our parliaments can contribute to that effort.
Edelstein and Naryshkin discussed plans to work together to commemorate 70 years since the end of World War II and to honor Red Army veterans.
The Duma chairman visited a memorial for Red Army soldiers in Netanya on Tuesday, which Edelstein was active in establishing.
"We discussed efforts to rewrite the history of World War II and the Holocaust, a time period that had a major influence on the Jewish and Russian people," Edelstein said. "We also talked about cooperating in international organizations to fight attempts to limit freedom of religion, including circumcision and Kosher slaughter."
Naryshkin also commended Israel for returning to the negotiating table with Palestinians.