Moscow gave Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas its strongest
vote of confidence since last month's takeover of the Gaza Strip by
Hamas when the Russian foreign minister told Abbas Monday that he
was the legitimate leader of the Palestinians.
Abbas held talks with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov one day
before he was expected to lobby President Vladimir Putin for
support for his Fatah movement - at the expense of his Hamas
rivals.
The visit is Abbas' first to Russia since the radical Islamic
group seized control of Gaza in June. The takeover prompted a
flurry of diplomatic activity, with the international community
lining up behind Abbas and the West Bank-based government of
moderates he has installed.
Russia is a member of the Quartet of Mideast negotiators, which
also comprises the United States, the United Nations and the
European Union.
Last year, Moscow raised the ire of Israel and Western nations
when it hosted Hamas' top leadership for talks. Many observers have
said the Hamas talks in Russia are part of an effort by Moscow to
regain the clout and influence it enjoyed in the Middle East during
the Soviet era.
In brief comments before reporters, Lavrov signaled Moscow's
firm support for Abbas but there was no mention of Hamas -
suggesting that Russia was still seeking to keep open its contacts
with the Hamas leadership.
"We firmly support you as the lawful leader of the entire
Palestinian people," Lavrov told Abbas, "and we support your
efforts aimed at restoring law, achieving unity among the
Palestinian people and continuing the process to seek a resolution
to the situation in the Palestinian territories."
"I am convinced that your meeting tomorrow with President
Vladimir Putin will help us map out specific ways of cooperation in
bilateral affairs and in the Middle East peace process," Lavrov
told him.
Abbas, meanwhile, told the Russian foreign minister: "I am
confident in your support of the Palestinian people, the
Palestinian national administration and I'm sure you will continue
rendering support in all spheres."
"Russia is a friendly state, having a great influence in the
region and in the Quartet of international intermediaries," Abbas
said, speaking through a translator. "Therefore, the support of
Moscow is of great importance to us."
In Gaza, meanwhile, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said Lavrov's
statement did not appear to contradict Hamas policies. "We are not
challenging the president's legitimacy and we still call him
president," he said.
?
(China Daily via agencies July 31, 2007)
