Developments in the Palestinian Territories – Russian FM Lavrov meeting with PA President Abbas – Russian Foreign Ministry press release – Non-UN document

PRESS RELEASE 

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov Meets with Head of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas 

1216-30-07-2007

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov met on July 30 with the Head of the Palestinian National Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, who is in Moscow on a working visit. The Chairman of the Audit Chamber of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society, Sergey Stepashin, took part in the conversation.

An in-depth exchange of views took place on developments in the situation in the Middle East, primarily within and around the Palestinian territories. The Russian side reaffirmed its support of Abbas as the legitimate PNA Head and emphasized the importance of normalizing the situation in Palestine as soon as possible. In the prevailing critical situation a schism of Palestine into two isolated entities should be prevented by all means. In this connection Lavrov emphasized the necessity of restoring Palestinian unity through dialogue between all political forces. This will create favorable conditions for the renewal of the Palestinian-Israeli peace process on a solid international legal basis, the ultimate aim of which will be the creation of a sovereign, viable and territorially integral Palestinian state.

Abbas expressed gratitude for the efforts of Russia to help restore Palestinian unity and its support of the legitimate PNA leadership.

Concern was expressed over the sharp deterioration of humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territories, especially in the Gaza Strip. The importance was stressed of taking urgent action to rectify the situation and solving the acute socioe-conomic problems of the Palestinians. The Russian side reaffirmed its readiness to continue rendering many-sided humanitarian and other aid to the Palestinians.

July 30, 2007