Moscow praises Palestinian reconciliation efforts

Moscow praised the agreement reached by Fatah and Hamas to form a unity government and conduct legislative and presidential elections in Palestine.

According to a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry yesterday, Moscow looked positively at the practical efforts to resume the process of reconciliation between the Palestinians, which began yesterday with a visit from a delegation headed by Azzam Al-Ahmad to the Gaza Strip.

The Ministry said: “We regard this as a step in the right direction… unless the Palestinians unite on the foundation of the Palestine Liberation Organisation and Arab peace initiative, it will be impossible to fulfil the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people and achieve a lasting just settlement between Israel and Palestine on the basis of international law.”

It continued: “From our side, we will do our utmost to provide support for the Palestinians to help achieve genuine national unity.”