Putin's representative discusses Palestinian issues with Hamas leader

Representative of the Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mikhail Bogdanov met yesterday with the head of Hamas’ political bureau Khalid Meshaal in Doha, they discussed Israeli aggressions and Palestinian internal reconciliation.

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said: “Talks focused on the internal Palestinian agreement to ensure national unity.”

In a statement, Hamas said that both sides discussed the latest developments on the ground in Palestine, Israeli aggressions on Jerusalem, Judaisation, refugees and the siege that has been imposed on Gaza. They also exchanged their opinions on the situation of the region.

According to the Russian statement, Bogdanov and Meshaal talked about the current situation in the Middle East particularly Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Libya and Iran.

They noted the need to seek solutions to regional problems “through a broad dialogue without external dictations according to fundamental provisions of international law and the UN Charter.”

Another meeting was held between the same Russian delegation and the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas who is in Doha to attend the wedding of his grandson.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said: “Russia confirmed support for the forthcoming formation of a united government headed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.”

The ministry also said: “Russia supports Abbas’ statement made on April 26 that a government will adhere to principles of Israel’s recognition, adhere to international commitments and agreements made earlier and refuse violence.”