Russian Deputy Foreign Minister meets with PA President Abbas – Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry press release/Non-UN document (excerpts)

Unofficial translation from Russian 

PRESS RELEASE

Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Saltanov Meets with Head of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas 

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Alexander Saltanov, attending an Arab Summit Conference in Khartoum, held on March 29 a meeting with Head of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas.

During the conversation, an exchange of views on further prospects for Palestinian-Israeli settlement, considering the results of the parliamentary elections in the Palestinian territories and in Israel, took place. The Palestinian leader shared his thoughts on the possibilities to resume the negotiating process. He gave a high assessment to the efforts Russia is making to ensure progress on the Roadmap.

Russia will continue an active dialogue with all the concerned parties in the interests of the peace process, Saltanov stressed, noting Russia's support for Abbas's line on a peaceful settlement with Israel. In so doing, he said, we will act on the basis of the positions agreed on by the Quartet of international mediators, both within the Quartet and through bilateral contacts.

A common view was expressed on the need to intensify Russian-Palestinian consultations in connection with the new realities evolving in the region.

March 29, 2006