Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko said in a statement that those behind the attacks "want to frighten the population, destabilize the environment, destroy all constructive ideas and initiatives that are directed toward the search for peace and agreement."

Russia regretted that the latest terrorist attacks against Israelis coincided with the first meeting between Israeli and Palestinian leaders in nearly three years, he said.

"We again emphasize our position in support of strengthening the international community's joint fight against terrorism," Yakovenko added.

Condemning the latest attacks, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer said in a statement that the suicide bombings "once again made plain the goals and the mentality of the enemies of peace."

"The attempt to torpedo efforts for a political solution of the Mideast conflict cannot be allowed to succeed," said Fischer.

Seven passengers were killed on Sunday in a suicide bomb attack of a Jerusalem bus. An Israeli man and his pregnant wife were also killed on Saturday night when a suicide bomber blew himself up in the center of Hebron.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

The attacks occurred just hours before the summit meeting between new Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and his Israeli counterpart Ariel Sharon in Jerusalem.

It was reported that Abbas would ask Sharon to officially accept the international-backed "Roadmap" peace plan, halt "targeted killings" of Palestinian militants and demolition of homes, and lift the closure on the Palestinian territories.

On the other hand, Sharon would demand that the Palestinians crack down on "terrorists" and end incitement against Israel in the Palestinian media.

(Xinhua News Agency May 19, 2003)