Tuesday, May 16, 2006
International
Hamas to recognise Israel, says report http://www.hindu.com/2006/05/16/stories/2006051606221400.htm
Vladimir Radyuhin
MOSCOW: Russia has persuaded Hamas to recognise Israel, informed sources said here as President Vladimir Putin met the visiting Palestinian leader, Mahmud Abbas.
Thanks to Russian diplomatic efforts Hamas has accepted a formula for recognising Israel's right to existence, which is a key for the resumption of the peace process between Israel and Palestine, the Nezavisimaya Gazeta said quoting Russian sources.
Under the formula the Palestinian Government would support "the creation of a Palestinian state parallel with Israel," not "side by side with Israel," as the Road Map plan called for peace.
Russia is the only member of the Middle East Quartet which agreed to talk to Hamas after its victory in Palestinian elections earlier this year. A delegation of Hamas visited Moscow in February. This dramatic turn about in Hamas position is believed to have dominated Mr. Abbas' talks with Mr. Putin in the latter's Black Sea residence in Sochi on Monday.
Focus on dialogue
The talks centred on the prospects for a reopening of a Palestinian-Israeli dialogue aimed at reviving the peace process on the basis of the road map, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Soltanov said after the meeting. Opening the meeting, Mr. Putin said it gave him an "opportunity to discuss with you pressing issues which confront Palestine and which Russia can help resolve."
He stressed that Russia has always been a reliable friend of the Palestinian people.
Mr. Abbas expressed the hope for resumption of talks with Israel. He thanked Mr. Putin for its $10-million aid to Palestine.
Copyright © 2006, The Hindu.